Flooding

Over the past few years, there have been several severe floods in the UK. Here are some top tips for helping to deal with such situations.

DON'T TOUCH THE ELECTRICS WHILST STANDING IN FLOOD WATER.

1. Prepare a ‘flood pack’ and make sure everyone knows where it is. It should contain a torch, a battery-operated radio, a first aid kit, warm clothes, blankets and bottles of water, and insurer’s helpline number.
2. Learn how to shut off gas, electricity, oil-fired heating and water supplies, even in the dark.
3. Follow official advice, like evacuation notices and procedures from the Environment Agency and your local council. The Environment Agency runs Floodline, a 24-hour information service, on 0345 988 1188. You can also find advice on their website at www.gov.uk/government/organisations/environment-agency
4. When the water starts to go down, and if the weather allows, open your windows in the morning. The air outside will be drier than the air inside, so it will help dry out the house. By mid-afternoon, the air outside is moist, so close your windows.
5. Don’t dry your belongings using high heat levels – it could result in further damage.
6. Your insurance provider should give you a de-humidifier. When windows are closed, have one running for every two rooms affected by the flood.
7. Clean out fridges and freezers as soon as possible, and throw away food items. Some insurance providers will let you claim for food items, so remember to keep a list and, if possible, take a photograph.
8. Store damaged furniture and fittings in a dry place. They’ll need to be inspected, and they may be fixable or have a salvage value.
9. Rubber-backed carpets will need to be replaced – move them out of the house if you can. Leave hessian-backed carpets on the floor to dry as they’ll shrink if you lift them. Once they’re dry, you can dry the areas underneath.
10. Don’t try to redecorate right away. It can take months for a property to dry out properly. It’s important to check with an expert that walls and other surfaces are fully dry and, if necessary, treated to prevent mould.

For your protection telephone calls will be recorded and may be monitored.

This publication contains general guidance only. No member of Clydesdale Bank PLC Group of companies or RSA accepts any liability for the content of this publication or for the consequences of any actions taken on the basis of the information provided. Clydesdale Bank Home Insurance is administered and underwritten by Royal & Sun Alliance Insurance Plc.(No.93792). Registered in England and Wales at St Marks Court, Chart Way, Horsham, West Sussex, RH12 1XL.

Clydesdale Bank PLC is authorised by the Prudential Regulation Authority and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority and the Prudential Regulation Authority. Financial Services Register No. 121873. Clydesdale Bank PLC. Registered in Scotland (Number SC001111). Registered Office: 30 St Vincent Place, Glasgow G1 2HL. CB Winterinfo (11/13)