With the risk of flooding growing through climate change, Brian Brookes, risk manager at BHIB Insurance in Leicester, offers his tips on protecting your home and business:
Currently the press and television are full of stories showing homes and businesses hit by floods and storms.
Insurers are paying out millions in claims and there is a clear upward trend on weather related flood damage.
Storm Ciara was followed by Storm Dennis with Storm Ellen waiting in the wings.
Flood cover for domestic properties will continue due to a government and insurance industry initiative called Flood Re which will enable insurers to continue to insure these types of properties.
But what happens if you run a business and flood cover is not offered, or withdrawn, by your insurers?
The first thing you should do is ask your local chartered insurance broker to approach other insurers.
Some insurers work on different flood risk maps to others and a different insurer may provide the cover you need.
If no insurers are prepared to offer cover then there are some simple measures you can take to minimise the impact of a flood:
1) Ensure that no high value stock or goods are kept in a basement or any low lying storage area you may have in your premises or out buildings
2) On the ground floor level make sure any stock or equipment is raised off the ground as far as is possible
3) Use air brick covers or water resistant air bricks to stop the flow of water into your building
4) Make sure skirting boards are varnished or are water resistant
5) Have on hand a supply of sand bags (when a flood is imminent there will be low supplies in your area) or make your own by using canvas bags, sand and zip ties
In addition make sure that you subscribe to flood alerts on your mobile devices from the Met Office so you can prepare in advance.
If you are currently looking at purchasing or leasing new premises make sure that you check the Gov.uk site to ascertain the flood risk for that area.
Simply enter the postcode of the proposed site and it will advise you as to whether it is low, medium or high risk.
If it is high risk then you may want to consider alternative premises as your insurers also have the access to Flood Risk maps and will rate your insurance accordingly.
