Shropshire insurance brokers offer flood damage advice ...

Dave Williams, of Henshalls Insurance Brokers in Newport and Shrewsbury, said the unprecedented wet weather had led to many homes being affected by flood water for the very first time.

?You may find your property is hit this year when you?ve never experienced any problems previously, and it?s vital that you don?t wade straight in without taking proper precautions.

?There may be hidden dangers in the flood water like sharp objects and raised manhole covers, and it may also contain sewage, chemicals and animal waste, so you must wear waterproof clothing, gloves, boots and a face mask.

?You need to bear in mind too that your electricity supply may still be switched on ? if so, don?t touch anything until a qualified person has been called to switch everything off at the mains.?

Dave said it was important to only start pumping water out of your property once the flood levels outside were lower than inside, to reduce the risk of structural damage.

?Ordinary household products are fine for cleaning and disinfecting your property, and a garden hose is useful for washing everything down, but don?t use high pressure hoses as they will blast contaminated matter into the air.?

Dave said householders should also ring their buildings and insurance company as soon as possible, as in almost all cases they will want to send a loss adjuster to look at the property.

?You should ask how long it will be before the loss adjuster visits, and whether you should clean the property yourself or if they will get a company in to do it for you. And always make your own record of flood damage by using a permanent ink pen to mark on the wall where the water has come to, and photograph or video your damaged property.

?If you don?t have insurance, your local council should be able to provide information on grants or charities that may be able to help you.?

Dave said flood repairs could take weeks or months to complete, especially if there had been widespread flooding and builders were overwhelmed with repair work.

?Ask your insurance company or landlord if they will provide you with temporary accommodation, but bear in mind that if many people are affected, your choices may be limited.?

Source: http://www.shropshirelive.com/2012/09/27/shropshire-insurance-brokers-offer-flood-damage-advice/

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