Homeowners warned of more heavy rain and potential floods

As many parts of England are still coming to terms with widespread flooding in June and July, the Met office has warned more heavy rain and high winds are forecast across the UK from Tuesday this week.

Halifax Home Insurance offers some timely advice to homeowners who may be affected, particularly those in Yorkshire, Gloucestershire, Herefordshire and Worcestershire.

Before a flood hits:

Place sandbags outside doors, airbricks and windows to reduce the amount of flood water entering your property.

Turn off the mains supplies of water, gas and electricity.

Unplug electrical items and store upstairs or as high as possible.

Disconnect pipes to cookers, washing machines and dishwashers to avoid damage to the pipes if appliances move during floods.

Move as much furniture as possible upstairs.

Large items that cannot be moved upstairs should be weighed down with sandbags or heavy objects to ensure they don't float around and cause further damage to property during a severe flood.

If furniture cannot be moved upstairs, empty contents of cupboards and drawers and store as high as possible.

Move rugs and curtains upstairs, or hang them up over curtain rods out of the way of water.

Keep your home insurer's policy details and telephone number to hand in case you need to make a claim following a flood.

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

If your home has already been flooded

Ensure mains supplies of water, electricity and gas have been checked by a qualified engineer before reconnecting.

Dry out appliances that have been affected by flood water and ensure a qualified electrician or CORGI registered gas engineer inspects them before use.

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

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

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.

Vicky Emmott, Senior Manager, Underwriting says, "The number of homes at risk of flood has trebled in recent years but there are several simple steps homeowners can take before a flood hits that can go a long way towards minimising water damage. Those who are already affected by the recent floods can also take measures to ensure their property is returned to its normal state with as little disruption as possible. Halifax Home Insurance provides its customers with a 24 hour home emergency helpline manned by fully trained colleagues who can offer useful information and advice on how to manage a home emergency such as a flood."

Homeowners wanting to find out if they are at risk of flooding can call the Environment Agency Floodline on 0845 988 1188.