Help protect your property against flooding

With heavy rain and potential flooding forecast, home and contents insurer Hiscox urges homeowners to take some practical steps to help prevent water entering their property and the subsequent damage. This comes as The Met Office has put out flood warnings for parts of the UK.

Joanne Musselle, Head of UK Claims, comments: "The heavy rain could cause severe damage to homes but taking some basic steps can reduce the risks."

Preparation is important to help minimise damage. Hiscox's tips to help protect your property:

Move anything of value including furniture, electrical equipment and valuables (including photographs and sentimental items) to upper floors

Prepare an emergency kit in case you are trapped or need to evacuate - this should include blankets, torches, waterproof clothing, food, water, a shovel and a first aid kit

If you don't know, find out how to turn off the electricity supply (in the dark if necessary)

Make copies of all your important documents and store them in a dry safe place which is easily accessible

If there is a known or recurring problem, prepare for flooding by placing sandbags around the perimeter of your house, especially doorways and places where water can easily seep in

Relocate your cars to safer areas

Prepare a list of important emergency phone numbers, including emergency helplines for your local water company and insurance company. The Hiscox 24 hour emergency helpline is 0845 213 8400 if you purchased your home insurance policy directly from Hiscox and 0800 731 3639 if you purchased through a broker 

For more information on protecting your home against flood risks visit hiscox.co.uk.