Dealing with natural disasters

Though natural disasters
are rare, they can and do happen. Floods, freak storms, and high winds have hit
the UK
in recent years.

The UK has even
experienced uncommon natural disasters like earthquakes and typhoons. Changing
weather patterns across the globe
has seen a rise in freak weather events not just in the UK, but also around the world. The
damage caused by just one natural disaster can be huge in terms of human
suffering and the cost of repairing the damage. Home insurance and home
emergency insurance are vital for ensuring that in the event of a natural
disaster, you will be able to rebuild your home and/or replace its contents. It
can provide a measure of peace of mind in the midst of an emotionally stressful
time.

What kind of insurance do I
need?

There are a range of home insurance options that
will cover the structure of your home and its contents. Use our helpful guide to understand the types
of home insurance cover available.

Buildings insurance

Covers
damage to the structure of your home. It can also cover damage to outbuildings,
fences and gates and some kitchen and bathroom fixtures. Speak to your insurer
about the amount of cover you need in the event of a natural disaster.

Contents insurance

Covers
your home contents and can include furniture, carpets, personal possessions and
garden items. What you are covered for is detailed in the terms and conditions
of your insurance policy. Read it carefully so that you know exactly how much cover
you have and what it includes. Some policies exclude clothing.

Be prepared

Whether its a flood,
storm, lightening, fire, explosion or earthquake, knowing how to deal with a
disaster is vital to staying safe. Weve prepared some useful tips for you on
what to do in the event of a flood.

Flood-risk

Is
your home in a flood-risk area? If it is, you need to listen out for flood
warnings on your local TV and radio stations. You can call the Environment Agency
Floodline information service on 0845 988 118 24-hours a day for updates. You
can also log on to www.environment-agency.gov.uk
for up-to-the-minute information on flood warnings.
If you live in a flood-risk area, you need to inform your insurance company.

Flood emergency kit

Make
up a flood emergency kit and keep it in a waterproof bag in a place you can get
to it quickly in the event of an emergency.

Your
kit should include:

Personal documentsFirst aid kitEssential medicationTorch with spare batteriesPortable radio with spare batteriesWarm clothingBlanketsRubber boots and glovesCleaning equipment Disinfectant and detergentHeavy duty refuse bags

Protect your possessions

Park
your car on the highest ground possible. Move valuable items like furniture and
ornaments to a safe, dry place as quickly as possible.

Switch off

Know
how and where to switch off your gas and electricity. After a flood, you will
need to get your electricity supply checked for damage by a professional.

Prepare your home

Make
sure you home is well maintained. Clear out your gutters at least once a year.
Lag water tanks and pipes. Repair any damage to tiles or brickwork, weak spots
in a storm can cause more damage to your home. Some insurance companies do not
cover loss or damage to hedges, gates or fences by falling trees, branches or a
flood. So make sure you cut back your trees when necessary to limit any
potential damage caused by a natural disaster.

Home insurance tips

Once it is safe to return
to your home, contact your insurance company immediately so that they can start
processing your claim immediately. Whether you need to move into temporary
accommodation or arrange repairs to your home, the sooner you notify your
insurer, the quicker youll be able to get back to normal.

Store your damaged contents
in a safe, dry place in case you need to show your insurer the extent of the
damage.

ArticleSource: ArticlesAlley.com