Summer flash flood – How to protect your home

Flash floods are becoming a common feature of UK summers, and have made a frequent appearance over the past eight years. As our climate continues to become warmer, they’re set to become a regular fixture over the summer months.

It is important to note that flash floods can impact any home. So even if you don’t live in a ‘high risk flood area’, you could still be affected.  

Flash floods occur when rain falls so intensely that the ground can’t cope and the rainwater doesn’t drain away fast enough. As a result, the water runs on top of the surface. They happen most commonly after thunderstorms and downpours – following dry, hot weather.

UK summers are becoming hotter and drier but while there should be less rain overall, it’s expected to fall in faster, more intense bursts. This means that flash flooding will only become more of an issue here in the UK.

Spain, Italy and other hot countries have storm gullies to drain the water quickly away from homes and roads. But they are less common here in the UK, which is why it’s important to be vigilant and put measures in place to protect your home.

Flash floods can happen anywhere so, although your home may never have been affected by flooding, we urge you to be aware and prepared.

The impact of flash flooding can be severe and disruptive:

• Homes may suffer serious damage – including structural damage and the destruction of entire rooms
• Damage of contents, including irreplaceable and sentimental possessions
• Not to mention the stress, disruption and uncertainty to those that live in the house
• Financial implications are also likely which may include an excess if you need to make a claim

Here are some simple ways to protect your home:

A lot of homes that have suffered from flash flooding damage, could have been avoided if some simple preventative steps were taken:

• Make sure your outdoor drains are clear of debris such as leaves, branches, mud and litter. This will allow water to drain properly rather than running into your property.
• Leaves from the autumn fall can easily spread, blocking drains and the like. Similarly, around May time, the early pollen season sees trees and plants shedding blossom and petals.  Wind and rain can quickly spread the debris, so it’s important that you check and clear your drains around these times.
• As well as your drains, make sure you carry out general checks around the outside of your property including your garden. It’s important to remove any clutter such as old furniture, bin bags and garden waste – to help rainwater escape away from your property.

Keep your home safe from barbecue fires this summer

With a sunny summer at home in sight, it’s understandable that many of us will want to enjoy it by having a barbecue or two! But as we’re all aware, barbecues have their own set of fire risks which shouldn’t be underestimated. To avoid firefighters arriving as your uninvited guests, we urge you to take a look at the advice below from the UK Fire Service, to make sure you have a safe and enjoyable experience:

General safety

• Make sure your barbecue is in good working order
• Ensure the barbecue is on a flat site, well away from trees and shrubs
• Keep children, garden games and pets well away from the cooking area
• Keep a bucket of water or sand nearby for emergencies
• Never leave the barbecue unattended
• Ensure the barbecue is cool before attempting to move it

Charcoal barbecues

• Use only enough charcoal to cover the base to a depth of about 2 inches
• Only use recognised fire lighters or starter fuel and only on cold coals – use the minimum necessary and never use petrol
• Never put hot ashes straight into a dustbin or wheelie bin – they could melt the plastic and cause a fire

Gas barbecues

• Make sure the tap is turned off before changing the gas cylinder
• Change cylinders outdoors if possible or in a well ventilated area
• If you suspect a leak to the cylinder or pipe work, brush soapy water around the joints and watch for bubbles – tighten to fix but do not over tighten
• After cooking, turn off the gas cylinder before turning off at the controls, to make sure that any residual gas in the pipe work is used up

Oncover Insurance Telephone : 020 7691 2409

www.oncoverinsurance.co.uk

89c College Place , London NW1 0DR