Flood update from Direct Line

Direct Line is at the ready, fully prepared to provide help and advice to people in the South West who are on flood alert from the Environment Agency.

In the event of a flood, Direct Line will deploy its emergency teams to the affected areas to help cope with the damage, as well as authorising repairs and alternative accommodation where necessary.

Andrew Lowe, Direct Line's Head of Home Insurance, said: "We're keeping a close eye on the flood watch warnings issued by the Environment Agency, and we are ready to help people get back to normal as quickly as possible and with the least amount of inconvenience. We hope the situation improves, but if things do get worse we will have additional staff on stand-by to help those customers who may have been affected by the flooding."

Direct Line offers the following advice to householders at risk of flooding:

Ensure any drains and gutters are clear of debris so rainfall can drain from your property effectively
Place valuable and electrical items in high cupboards to reduce the impact of any flood damage

Ensure outdoor furniture and other items likely to float away are safely restrained to reduce the risk of these items causing secondary damage

Establish an evacuation plan for your family. This will reduce the risk of injury to your loved ones and give you more time to save items of sentimental and material value

While it is safe to use electrical equipment, keep up to date with the latest weather and flood warnings by monitoring local television and radio services

If your property has flooded switch off your mains power supply to reduce the risk of electrocution and fire caused by floodwater

Store important documents, including insurance policy details and useful contact numbers in a watertight bag in a dry accessible place, preferably upstairs

Make up a flood emergency kit and keep it in a safe place. Include key personal documents, a torch and portable radio with spare batteries, warm clothing, blankets, rubber boots and gloves, cleaning equipment, disinfectant and detergent, heavy duty refuse bags, a first aid kit and any essential medication

Make a list of useful numbers you may need - your insurer, your local council, the emergency services and the number of Floodline, tel: 0845 988 1188

Buy some sandbags or flood boards to block doorways. In an emergency, make sandbags using old pillow cases, carrier bags or even tights filled with sand or earth

Direct Line offers the following advice to householders if flooding does occur:

Direct Line customers: If your property is damaged, please contact our 24 hour emergency helpline on 0845 601 3004 as soon as possible.
If you need to move to alternative accommodation, the cost is normally covered under your insurance policy, but please check this when speaking to the claims team

Take photographs of the damage to your building and contents or film the footage; they may help with the settlement of your claim

Don't throw away possessions without first discussing it with your claims adviser, as they will need to be assessed

Do not use the electrical equipment or gas supply until it has been checked by a qualified tradesman

Wash taps and run them for a few minutes before use

Do not rush to redecorate your home as it can take weeks for a flood-damaged property to fully dry out

Do not lift wet carpets unless absolutely necessary as they may shrink