Floods warning – don’t wade straight in

Shropshire residents hit by floods must take care before tackling any major clear-ups in their homes.

Dave Williams, from Henshalls Insurance Brokers, said the current deluge of bad weather had led to many homes being affected by flood water which may never have been hit before.
“It’s vital that homeowners don’t wade straight into the water without taking proper precautions.
“There may be hidden dangers in the flood water like sharp objects and raised manhole covers, and it may also contain sewage, chemicals and animal waste, so you must wear waterproof clothing, gloves, boots and a face mask.
“Remember your electricity supply may still be switched on too – if so, don’t touch anything until a qualified person has been called to switch everything off at the mains.”
Dave warned homeowners they should only start pumping water out of their property once the flood levels outside were lower than inside, to reduce the risk of structural damage.
“Use ordinary household products for cleaning and disinfecting your property, and a garden house is fine for washing everything down – but don’t use high pressure hoses as they will only blast contaminated matter into the air.”
Householders should also ring their buildings and insurance company as soon as possible, as in almost all cases they will want to send a loss adjuster to look at the property.
“Ask them how long it will be before the loss adjuster visits your home, and whether you should clean the property yourself or if they will get a company in to do it for you.
“And always make your own record of flood damage by using a permanent ink pen to mark on the wall where the water has come to, and if you can, photograph or video your damaged property.
“If you don’t have insurance, your local council should be able to provide information on grants or charities that may be able to help you.”

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