Though natural disastersare rare, they can and do happen. Floods, freak storms, and high winds have hitthe UKin recent years.
The UK has evenexperienced uncommon natural disasters like earthquakes and typhoons. Changingweather patterns across the globehas seen a rise in freak weather events not just in the UK, but also around the world. Thedamage caused by just one natural disaster can be huge in terms of humansuffering and the cost of repairing the damage. and homeemergency insurance are vital for ensuring that in the event of a naturaldisaster, you will be able to rebuild your home and/or replace its contents. Itcan provide a measure of peace of mind in the midst of an emotionally stressfultime.
What kind of insurance do Ineed?
There are a range of options thatwill cover the structure of your home and its contents. Use our helpful guide to understand the typesof home insurance cover available.
?Buildings insurance
Coversdamage to the structure of your home. It can also cover damage to outbuildings,fences and gates and some kitchen and bathroom fixtures. Speak to your insurerabout the amount of cover you need in the event of a natural disaster.
?Contents insurance
Coversyour home contents and can include furniture, carpets, personal possessions andgarden items. What you are covered for is detailed in the terms and conditionsof your insurance policy. Read it carefully so that you know exactly how much coveryou have and what it includes. Some policies exclude clothing.
Be prepared
Whether it's a flood,storm, lightening, fire, explosion or earthquake, knowing how to deal with adisaster is vital to staying safe. We've prepared some useful tips for you onwhat to do in the event of a flood.
?Flood-risk
Isyour home in a flood-risk area? If it is, you need to listen out for floodwarnings on your local TV and radio stations. You can call the Environment AgencyFloodline information service on 0845 988 118 24-hours a day for updates. Youcan also log on to for up-to-the-minute information on flood warnings.If you live in a flood-risk area, you need to inform your insurance company.
?Flood emergency kit
Makeup a flood emergency kit and keep it in a waterproof bag in a place you can getto it quickly in the event of an emergency.
Yourkit should include:
Personal documents
First aid kit
Essential medication
Torch with spare batteries
Portable radio with spare batteries
Warm clothing
Blankets
Rubber boots and gloves
Cleaning equipment
Disinfectant and detergent
Heavy duty refuse bags
?Protect your possessions
Parkyour car on the highest ground possible. Move valuable items like furniture andornaments to a safe, dry place as quickly as possible.
?Switch off
Knowhow and where to switch off your gas and electricity. After a flood, you willneed to get your electricity supply checked for damage by a professional.
?Prepare your home
Makesure you home is well maintained. Clear out your gutters at least once a year.Lag water tanks and pipes. Repair any damage to tiles or brickwork, weak spotsin a storm can cause more damage to your home. Some insurance companies do notcover loss or damage to hedges, gates or fences by falling trees, branches or aflood. So make sure you cut back your trees when necessary to limit anypotential damage caused by a natural disaster.
tips
Once it is safe to returnto your home, contact your insurance company immediately so that they can startprocessing your claim immediately. Whether you need to move into temporaryaccommodation or arrange repairs to your home, the sooner you notify yourinsurer, the quicker you'll be able to get back to normal.
Store your damaged contentsin a safe, dry place in case you need to show your insurer the extent of thedamage.
