
Flood prevention advice & tips
Flooding can be a major risk to your safety, your home and your possessions. Even a minor leak can damage your property and its contents. That's why it's good to keep flood prevention in mind and have a plan for what to do if the worst does happen.
Read on for our flooding tips and advice, so you're prepared if a pipe bursts or a storm strikes.
At Hastings Direct, we know how important your home and its contents are to you. That's why we offer home insurance that covers you for the unexpected expense that theft, loss and damage can bring. Plus, you can choose from a great range of optional extras.
What causes flooding?
There are several causes of flooding, both internal and external.
Within your home, burst pipes are a major cause. This is especially likely to happen in winter when your pipes can freeze up and crack. When the ice thaws your pipes will burst. Faulty radiators and boilers are also potential sources of water damage, as are blocked gutters.
Outside your home, heavy rains and storms can cause water levels to rise, presenting a risk to your property and even your personal safety.
The UK's changing climate is also likely to see more sudden heavy storms in years to come.
How likely is my home to flood?
Risks are higher if you live near a river that might burst its banks, especially if your home is on a flood plain.
In coastal areas, storm surges can push seawater towards the shore, threatening nearby properties.
Even inland areas away from rivers or up hills can suffer surface or flash flooding. This happens when heavy rainwater can't drain away, for example from concrete surfaces.
Check whether you live in a flood risk area. If your property is vulnerable, you should sign up for the free warning service and have a flood-prevention plan in place.
How can you prevent flooding at your home?
Flood prevention is always better than cure. The following measures should help you prepare for water coming in and avoid damage:
If you know your home is in a high-risk area, there are several extra flood-prevention measures you can take:
How to prevent flood damage
If there's external flooding, you may not be able to stop the water coming inside, but there are precautions you can take to limit the damage:
What should you do during a flood?
If you know a storm is coming or nearby rivers are liable to burst their banks, take the following action promptly:
Always follow police advice and be prepared to get yourself and your family to safety in an emergency. If you're ordered to leave your home, the authorities will arrange evacuation centres if there's nowhere else you can stay.
Remember: floods often occur hours or even days after a storm, so keep an eye out for warnings from the Environment Agency.
Check this government flooding advice for more information.
What to do if your house has water damage
Once the flood has receded, it's time to inspect the damage:
Once you're sure it's safe, contact your insurance company for advice on how to make a claim. At Hastings Direct, our team will be happy to help you get back on your feet and restore your home to its former standard.
Get a home insurance quote with Hastings Direct today.
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