The 2007 floods aftermath

Global warming is not only about melting polar ice caps. Rising temperatures means that the long-range weather forecast for the UK is for warmer and wetter weather. This means that the flood risk for many is set to get worse. And that is bad news if you are one of the five million people in the UK known to be at risk of flooding.

Recent research for the Association of British Insurers shows that a four-degree Celsius rise in average annual temperatures, which could happen as soon as 2060, could lead to a significant rise in the cost of flood damage claims paid by insurers. While an international global agreement on global emissions and action by the UK Government to better manage the flood risk in the UK are needed, what can you do to reduce the flood risk?

If flooding is predicted, taking these steps will reduce the risk of you suffering expensive and traumatic flood damage.

• Listen to local radio and Environment Agency Flood line (0845 988 1188) bulletins for up-to-date information.
• Keep important documents, such as insurance and bank details and essential telephone numbers, together in a waterproof bag.
• If safe to do so, move whatever you can from lower to higher floors.
• Be ready to turn off gas, electricity and water.

If you are flooded, contact your household insurer as soon as possible. Most insurers have 24-hour emergency helplines. Claims staff will give you advice on what to do, agree any temporary emergency repairs and arrange for your property to be inspected if the damage has been severe. The top priority for your insurer will be to ensure that your property is fully dried out as soon as possible so that repairs can be carried out. If you home has been so badly flooded that it is uninhabitable, your buildings insurer will usually pay for you to stay in temporary accommodation until it is safe for you to return.

Tags: home insurance