Flood is the most common and costly natural disaster in the World and cause millions of €€€ Euros in damage annually. While fire may be a more common concern among homeowners, your home could in fact be as much as ten times more likely to be damaged by water than by fire. Significant sources of water damage to your property can come from flooding, including flooding from tidal storm surges, heavy rains, flash floods, dam and levee failures, mudflows and snow melt. In addition, new construction of buildings, roads or bridges can also alter the flow of water, thus increasing the potential for flooding.

How to protect your property before, during and after a flood –

There are several options available to help you minimize or prevent damages to your property. Below are tips to follow to help prepare and recover from potentially costly flood damage.

Before the Flood –

• Ensure to move all electrical equipment and appliances away from expected flood area
• Be aware to know your property flood zone risk and evaluate your flood risk.
• To prevent sewage backup, have a licensed plumber install an interior or exterior backflow prevention valve.
• If you live in a flood-prone area, ensure to have emergency building essentials such as plywood, nails, shovels and sandbags.
• Place sandbags around the property in known risk areas to help with unusually high water.
• Have ready and in place an evacuation plan and practice occasionally.
• Have ready a survival kit to keep your important documents to include insurance documents, medications and critical items in the event you need to leave your home.

During the Flood –

• Pay attention and listen to news on radio, television or text messages for the latest information.
• Ensure to switch off all utilities in case of evacuation.
• Avoid rising waters, move to high ground and do not walk or drive through any floodwaters.
• Stay clear and away from downed power lines and electrical wires.

After the Flood –

• Food items left over and had been in contact with floodwater should be thrown away to avoid contamination.
• Return home only when it is safe to do so and announced by your local authorities.
• Once allowed back into your property, inspect, check and report any damages to your insurance company.

PLEASE NOTE: Flood insurance maybe purchased separately and is different from homeowner’s insurance. If you are in doubt, speak with your insurance agent.

If your property is damaged by the recent weather or you are not sure about the effect of damages caused to your property, feel free to contact us on 061609865 or 0863114590 during normal business hours.

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