Insurer issues pre-flood advice

With many areas potentially at risk from floods as storms are predicted to lash the UK over the next couple of days, leading insurer Royal & SunAlliance and its direct arm MORE TH>N, are offering advice to those homeowners and businesses affected by rising water levels.

If you are in a flood risk area, don't close your eyes and hope for the best, prepare a 'Flood Plan'. Royal & SunAlliance and MORE TH>N have Personal Claims Specialists on standby ready to help people in the risk areas.

1. Listen out for flood warnings on your local TV and radio stations. The Environment Agency has a 24 hour information service called Floodline available on 0845 988 1188 and also a website which provides useful advice and updates: environment-agency.gov.uk

2. Have sandbags -your local council may be able to provide these -and boards ready to block doors, etc - do this in good time!

3. Keep your insurance policy documents in a water-tight bag in a safe place.

4. Keep a note of your insurer's Helpline number handy.

5. Prepare a 'Flood Pack' and make sure that everyone in your home or business knows where it is. The pack should include: torch, battery-operated radio (with spare batteries), first aid kit, warm clothes, blankets and bottles of water. Keep it in a safe place. If you have one, remember to take your mobile phone upstairs too, and keep it charged.

6. Think about where to park your car. Is it safe?

7. Be prepared to move furniture and valuable items upstairs or to a safe place, out of danger. Remember to include items like photos and valuable paperwork that have high sentimental value and will be difficult to replace.

8. If you receive warnings of imminent flooding, be ready to switch off gas and electricity supplies but listen for advice on your local radio station. If water levels start to enter your home or business turn off the gas, and the electricity at the main fuse board.

9. Have a map of your local area handy. If you decide to evacuate, bear in mind that some local roads may already be blocked and impassable. Do not attempt to drive across flooded roads if you are able to drive round.

10. If your home or business is flooded, contact your insurance company as soon as possible. Insurance companies are there to help and will know what to do if your home or business is flooded.

Paul Emptage, head of loss adjusting at Royal & SunAlliance, said: “In situations like these, we will do everything we can to take the hassle away from people. By following these basic steps, you will be able to reduce the amount of damage to your possessions and your home. Our claims staff are trained to deal with these disasters. They will relieve some of the immense stress and strain these situations can bring. My advice to anyone affected by flooding is to use the skills and services offered by your insurance company.”