Reducing the flood risk to your business

Changes in land use - for example draining flood plains or, ironically, building flood defences - can increase the risk of flooding elsewhere. What's more, changing weather patterns suggest that we are going to be experiencing increasingly extreme weather events. Many recent flood claims have been related to severe weather rather than river or sea incursion.

So, expect the unexpected. Find out if you are at risk and be prepared.

Are you at risk?

You can search by postcode on the environment agency website to find out whether your business is at risk from flooding. You can also sign up for flood warnings.

Use the Environment Agency website to find out if you are at risk

Remember though, this service only covers flooding risks from rivers and high tides. Heavy rainfall can cause localised flooding, especially when drains are blocked or roofs are damaged.

Reducing risk

Here are a few simple 'dos', and a couple of important 'don'ts' to help you reduce the risks and effects of flooding - fewer claims mean lower premiums.

Do:

• Sign up for flood watch warnings (see above)
• Make sure you know where to turn off gas and electricity supplies
• Keep roofs and buildings in good condition and carry out maintenance work as soon as problems occur
• Regularly check that drains and flat roofs are clear
• Make sure external fittings are in good condition and firmly secured
• When building and renovating, fit wide guttering and pipes to clear water during heavy rainfall
• Prune trees where there is a risk of leaves blocking drains or where they could damage property if they fell
• Store stock and equipment off the ground - raising it by just a few inches could save thousands of pounds in the event of a flood
• Keep a list of useful numbers to hand, including your local council, the emergency services, floodline and our claims number 0844 209 1509

Don't:

• Don't underestimate the damage a flood can do - make sure you have the right level of insurance cover
• Don't think it couldn't happen to you! Even if you have never been flooded before, things change

What to do if you've been flooded

getMY settles claims as quickly as possible - in fact, in 90% of cases we confirm valid cover immediately over the telephone and we issue payment within 48 hours of confirming a settlement figure.To make sure your business recovers as quickly as possible visit our 'what to do' web page.

Find out what to do if you have been flooded

Where to get help and advice

Fortunately there's lots of help and advice out there - so take advantage of it!

• Floodline
  0845 988 1188
  Recorded warning information for your area, and 24hr operator assistance

• Environment Agency
  www.environment-agency.gov.uk
  Comprehensive guide to floods and responses

• Fire Service
  www.fireservice.co.uk/safety/flooding.php
  Practical advice on coping with floods

• British Damage Management Association
  www.bdma.org.uk
  Provides accreditation for recovery and restoration professionals and has provided some tips on the basics of not jeopardising your insurance claims

• Your local council
  Your local council will be able to give you advice and information
  www.direct.gov.uk

And, of course, if you have any questions about our flood insurance call our customer services helpline on 0844 209 1506

General Information

This article is for your general information only. Always check a particular insurance product's policy wording carefully to find out exactly what cover it provides, what the limits of the cover are and whether there are any exclusions or conditions.