How to limit flood damage to your home

Residents in North and East Scotland are being evacuated after serious flooding hits the region. And the rain is not stopping - forecasters are predicting further, heavy downpours for some parts of the country.

Such weather can result in major damage to homes, Confused.com offers advice on how to stay dry inside, while the outside becomes deluged.

THE FLOOD FACTOR

When serious flooding hits a home the recovery from the aftermath can take months and months, adding pressure to homes and occupants. For that reason, insurance is crucial easing the financial implications of a flood.

Recent figures have cited that one in six homes in England is at risk from flooding. With the predicted increase, ALL homeowners are urged to check current policies are adequate for an event and relative to the value of their property and contents.

BEFORE THE FLOODS

As climate change is cited as the main cause for unpredictable weather, one trick Mother Nature has up her sleeve, is monsoon like downpours after a stretch in the sun. Certain areas can be vulnerable to flash floods as drainage systems struggle to swallow the water and the ground is too dry to soak it up. When such weather happens after a sustained period of hot weather, homes are under threat of flooding. Confused.com offers tips on how the damage can be limited:

Move as much furniture as possible upstairs. If you do not have an upstairs, raise the furniture off the ground

Unplug electrical equipment and store as high as possible

Turn off mains supplies of water, gas and electricity

Place sandbags outside your property. This will reduce the amount of water able to get into a house

Locate your home insurance policy details. If you need to call and make a claim, make sure you have policy details and telephone numbers

Keep sentimental items such as jewellery and photos in a safe place. These cannot be replaced, so make sure they are high and dry

AFTER THE FLOODS HAVE HIT

For those unlucky enough to be flooded, the comparison website offers advice on what the next steps are for those sharing their home with flood water:

Call the insurer as soon as water starts to enter your home or as soon as you are able thereafter. They will then assign drying equipment to the home which will speed up the process

Open windows and doors where appropriate to help ventilate the home. However, only leave them open when someone is in the house. Just because your house has been flooded it does not rule out the additional problem of burglary if left open

Take photographs of damaged items. This could insist the insurer in settling claims quickly

Keep ruined furniture until after the claim has been settled. Some providers may want to inspect the damage

IF LIGHTNING STRIKES...

As the forecast downfalls will follow a very hot spell, areas of the country are at risk of lightning storms. The damage high voltage can cause to your home includes: fire, loss of power, electrical equipment damage and structural problems. In order to limit the likelihood of such occurrences, the Met Office offer a few simple tips:

Unplug all non-essential appliances including TV's as lightning strikes can cause power surges

Do not use landline phones when there is an electrical storm outside. Lightning can travel through phone lines

Avoid using taps and sinks as they are metal and therefore conductors of electricity

If you are outside, stay away from water and find a low-lying open place which is away from trees, poles or metal objects

Darren Black, head of home insurance at Confused.com said: "Comprehensive cover should be in place all year round as the weather in this country is changeable to say the least. Brits could experience heat waves, torrential rain and lightning storms within the space of a few days. Advice is to be insured against all elements as the weather could cause problems for some parts of the country."

For all scenario's, Confused.com encourages homeowners to check policy details outlining cover for alternative accommodation, new for old replacement items and rebuild costs offered by the provider.