A short guide to flood recovery

Severe storms have raised awareness of the devastating effect that sudden rainfall can have on local communities. Restoring your home after flooding isn’t easy, but it also needn’t be too complicated with the right help. If you live in a high-risk flood area or have already been affected, read on to find out our useful hints for recovering from flood damage.

The key to quick recovery lies in proper preparation. The Met Office has an official Flood Warning Information Service that provides up-to-date details of warnings and alerts across the country. Your local council should also be able to provide information regarding the expected impact of heavy rainfall.

Many householders are unaware that they live on a potential floodplain until it’s too late. If you’re unsure, the Environment Agency provides an interactive map of at-risk areas – simply enter your post code to see your status.

Confirm in advance that your policy will cover a flood insurance claim, as some insurance policies have gaps regarding surface water. A flood-specific insurance policy may also help to cover the cost of some preventative tools such as door guards and water pumps.

Finally, you may wish to sketch a plan of action in response to a future flood warning. Be sure to allow time for moving belongings upstairs or into watertight storage boxes.

It’s best that you turn off all utilities and evacuate your home during a flood whenever possible. You should not, however, attempt to walk or drive in fast-flowing water.

If the water level rises before you can leave your house, head to your top floor, attic or roof. Remember that floodwater is often highly contaminated, so try to avoid it if you can, washing thoroughly as soon as possible if you do make contact.

It’s natural to feel stressed and anxious after a flood, so don’t put too much pressure on yourself to resume normal life immediately. Ask for help whenever you need it, either from friends and neighbours or from your wider community. There are always volunteers eager to help those in need, so look online or ask local authorities if you need a few helping hands.

Cleaning up a flooded home is a time-consuming process, but it’s easier if you have a clear plan in mind. Take a look at our ‘Five ways to minimise flood damage’ guide to find out the first steps on the road to normality.

It’s essential that your insurance provider acts quickly and compassionately in the days following a flood. Unfortunately, this type of behaviour isn’t always assured, particularly as the same provider often covers many homes and can be overwhelmed by claims. As fully qualified loss assessors, Harris Balcombe can step in to act on victims’ behalf, chasing the insurer and holding them to the industry’s highest standards.

While an insurer-provided loss adjuster will often look for opportunities to minimise or negate your claim, our representatives assess the damage to your home without cutting corners. With the administration of your claim taken care of, you’re free to focus on day-to-day recovery and getting your life back on track.