Fight the Floods
August 2007
In the aftermath of some of the worst flooding we have seen in many years, which is affecting homes and businesses alike throughout the country, we thought it might be useful to provide some tips to reduce your exposure to loss, both before and after the event.
If you know that your business or home is at risk then there are some simple things you can do beforehand to help reduce the impact:
PREVENTATIVE MEASURES TO TAKE BEFORE THE LOSS OCCURS
1. Ensure where possible that all electrical equipment and stock is stored at least four feet above ground level
2. Turn off electrical equipment, apart from burglar alarms
3. Turn off the supply to central heating units, if at ground floor
4. Move vehicles to high ground if possible
5. Sand bag the premises if there is a high exposure to potential flooding
6. Clear all drains and gutters on and around the premises
7. Consider constructing gullies to funnel water to drains
8. Move high value items away from unmanned premises
9. Add Coleman's telephone number 01202 647400 to your mobile phone address book and keep a copy of your insurance policy away from the premises incase you need to refer to it.
AFTER THE LOSS HAS OCCURRED
1. If stranded, contact the emergency services immediately
2. Do not use electricity or water supplies until you are advised it is safe to do so
3. Remove debris where possible. Make sure you wear water-proof boots and gloves to prevent contamination by sewage, and wash you hands regularly with soap and clean water. If the debris is in any way contaminated by chemicals, you may need to contact the emergency services to remove this for you
4. Allow ventilation to the premises if possible to help in drying out
5. Save items of value for inspection by the Loss Adjuster
6. Keep track of all losses and damage-related expenditures. Document all losses with photographs or video if possible
7. Take all appropriate and reasonable measures to protect the premises from future damage or theft
8. You should contact Coleman's as soon as possible by phone on 01202 647400 or by e-mail to claims@colemaninsurance.co.uk to inform them of the loss. Make sure they know how to contact you back.
Please note that this list is not meant to be exhaustive but does cover some of the key areas to be considered. Any claims remain subject to the policy cover, terms and conditions. You will also be expected to pay the first part of any claim (the excess) which will usually be in the region of £150 for household policies and £250 for commercial policies.
The following websites provide further useful information on avoiding flood damage and what to do in the event of a claim:
For more help, contact Coleman Insurance Brokers on 01202 647400
