Flooding causes on average £17,000 of damage per incident

Following severe weather conditions and flood warnings across the UK, Lloyds TSB Insurance is offering advice for homeowners to help minimise damage to property and homes.

According to Lloyds TSB claims data, flood damage causes an average of £17,000 worth of damage per incident following record rainfall in June which has sparked a 52% increase in storm-related claims from June 2011 to June 2012 - so taking steps now is essential to avoid issues later.

Should the worst happen, Lloyds TSB Insurance can send a Personal Claims Consultant (PCC) at their discretion whenever they feel that one of their policyholders needs it most.  PCCs act as a single point of contact on major claims meeting customers face-to-face to discuss all aspects of the incident and personally see each claim through from beginning to end.

Martyn Foulds, senior claims manager, Lloyds TSB, said: "We are advising homeowners who are at risk to take steps now to reduce the risk of damage to their homes, and to monitor local news and weather updates."

If your home is at risk of flooding

Place sandbags outside doors, airbricks, windows and any other holes to reduce the amount of water entering your property

Turn off the mains supplies of water, gas and electricity

Unplug all electrical items, and store them upstairs or as high as possible

Disconnect pipes to washing machine and dishwashers to avoid damage if appliances move during the flood

Move as much furniture as possible upstairs, weigh down large items that can't be lifted with sandbags so they don't move and cause damage

Empty contents of cupboards and drawers, and store upstairs or as high as possible

Move rugs and curtains upstairs or to higher ground

Keep your home insurer's policy details and telephone numbers to hand in case you need to make a claim

Remember to move sentimental items such as photograph albums to a safe place, as they cannot be replaced.

If your home has been flooded

Contact your insurer and report any damage caused to buildings and/or contents as soon as possible

Open doors and windows to ventilate and dry out the property. Ensure the home has completely dried before attempting redecorating work

Take photographs of damaged items as it may help your insurer to settle a claim

Keep any ruined property as insurers may want to inspect it. 

In an emergency

Keep a home emergency kit prepared in case of a winter emergency such as a flood or severe storm. This could include sandbags, torches, spare bulbs and batteries, your home insurance documents, other emergency contact details, tinned food, warm clothing and blanketsListen to the radio for regular updates on the weather or other emergency situations.Householders who are concerned their homes may be at risk of flooding can register for Environment Agency Floodline Warnings Direct by calling 0845 988 1188.