Sally Alvey is Schemes Manager for Thistle Tenant Risks, who administer the National Housing Federation ‘My Home Contents Insurance Scheme’. Here she shares some tips to help tenants plan for summer floods
Here in the UK we know that over the summer months we can go from hot glorious sunshine to horrendous downpours and flooding. Here are few steps on how to plan ahead of a flood:
Maintaining your property
Keeping up with general maintenance such as clearing drains and gullies of debris could help prevent overflowing.
Take out home contents insurance
Make sure you consider home contents insurance to protect your home contents and belongings.
Find out where you can get help
Areas prone to flooding may already have flood groups and community hubs where you can find food, clothing, shelter and advice during a flood. Some areas have community flood wardens - volunteers who monitor a specific local area and inform its residents when flooding is likely.
What to do if you get a flood warning?
A flood warning means you must take immediate action when flooding is expected, which could mean:
- Moving vehicles to higher ground if it is safe to do so.
- Moving the family and pets to safety.
- Moving important items that you can’t easily take away with you upstairs or to a safe place your property, starting with cherished items and valuables, then furniture and furnishings.
- Turn off gas, electricity and water supplies if it’s safe to do so; never touch an electrical switch if you’re standing in water.
- If you have property protection products such as flood barriers, or air brick covers, use them now.
Click here for more information and useful tips.
Please remember you are responsible for replacing your home contents and belongings. Could you afford to replace your furniture and personal possessions if you were to suffer a flood?
Contact us
To find out more about the National Housing Federation’s My Home Contents Insurance scheme, which was designed for tenants in social housing, and to cover you against damage caused by floods and storms. You can pay premiums in cash fortnightly or monthly, monthly by direct debit or annually and upgrade cover if required. Fortnightly and monthly premiums include a transaction charge.
Phone: 0345 450 7288
Monday - Friday 9am - 5pm
Email: myhome@thistleinsurance.co.uk