UK: Warning for residents in wake of floods

With flood warnings in place across Derbyshire, Norwich Union is urging residents to take immediate preventative measures to help minimise damage.

Figures from the Environment Agency show that only one person in ten takes any action to prepare for flooding.

While Norwich Union continues to lobby the Government for better defences to combat future flooding, there are steps homeowners can take to minimise damage to their homes and belongings and be well prepared for the worst.

Norwich Union has developed the following advice for residents – but reminds them not to put themselves at risk whilst securing their home.

• Protect entrances and external doors with sandbags, if available
• Where possible, turn off gas and electricity at the mains, move furniture and electrical items upstairs – don’t risk an accident or hurt yourself by carrying heavy items
• Ensure you have your insurance documentation to hand with helpline numbers and other emergency contact numbers
• If you have time, seal delicate items in plastic bags to protect them from water damage – but don’t put yourself in danger by spending time going this, when you should be getting to a place of safety
• Pack a small selection of dry clothes and essential toiletries, including any medicines
• If you are unable to leave your property, fill a vacuum flask with a hot drink and take items such as a torch, warm clothing, a battery-operated radio (tuned to the local station for updates) and a mobile telephone (if you have one) upstairs, until the danger has passed or help arrives. Don’t try to walk or drive through floodwater.

Nick Pierson, head of household products, Norwich Union Insurance, said: “There are simple precautions Derbyshire residents can take to help minimise the damage and heartache floods can cause.

“But if people have been unlucky enough to already suffer flooding, we recommend they call their insurer’s emergency helpline or contact their broker as soon as possible.

“The sooner the damage is reported, the faster insurers can get experts into your home to assess the damage. However, it can sometimes take several months for properties to dry out and for residents to return to their homes.”

To make a claim, policyholders should call the Norwich Union 24 hour Clubline on 0800 012345 or 0800 555333 (all calls are free).

Further information on floods is available from the Environment Agency flood helpline on 0845 9881188 or visit their website at www.environment-agency.gov.uk

-ends-

Media contact:
Liz Kennett/Jenny Chapman at Norwich Union on 08703 66 68 63

Notes to Editors:

• Norwich Union is the UK’s largest insurer. In general insurance it is more than 1.5 times the size of its nearest competitor, and has a 19 per cent share of the market.
• It has a focus on insurance for individuals and small businesses. It insures:
  - one in five households
  - one in five motor vehicles
  - more than 700,000 businesses
• Norwich Union products are available through a variety of distribution channels including brokers, corporate partners such as banks and building societies, and Norwich Union Direct.
• Norwich Union’s news releases are available on this internet site
• A selection of images is available from the CGNU Newscast site at www.newscast.co.uk
• An ISDN line is available for studio quality interviews. Call the press office 08703 66 68 68
• Norwich Union Insurance Limited Registered in England Number 99122. Registered Office 8 Surrey Street Norwich NR1 3NG
• Member of the CGNU Group of companies and of the General Insurance Standards Council

For all life & pensions media enquiries 08703 66 68 73
For all other media enquiries 08703 66 68 68