Before bad weather hits, make sure your house and garden are as well protected as possible. Keep all drains and gutters well maintained. Cut back the branches on any nearby trees. When strong winds are forecast, put away garden furniture, outdoor toys and barbecues and make sure any outside buildings are locked and secured. If you’re going away on holiday, arrange for a neighbour to come in and check your property for you.

If you know your house is at risk of flooding, take copies of important documents (for example, your insurance policies and bank details) and keep them in a dry place, ideally upstairs. Keep a flood emergency kit alongside it, including essential items such as warm clothing, a torch, portable radio, spare batteries, rubber boots, blankets, a first aid kit, tinned food and bottled water.

Personal safety is paramount. Never go out in strong winds to try to stop an item being blown away. If it is safe for you to do so, before your property is affected by floodwater roll up carpets and move them and furniture from lower floors to higher levels. Lift curtains over the rods to keep them away from the floor. Block the doors with sandbags.

For help and advice during a flood, call the Environmental Agency’s Floodline on 0845 988 1188 for the latest information and tune into a local radio station. If you are advised to leave your home by the authorities, follow any instructions they give and leave your property as secure as possible.

If your home has been flooded, don’t turn the gas or electric on until they have been checked and deemed to be safe by a professional. Having home insurance with Churchill would mean you could contact us for help as soon as possible. The Churchill claims line (0845 603 3590) is open seven days a week, 24 hours a day. Make calling us a priority, as we can assist you with your claim and probably help you find alternative accommodation as well if necessary.

Take photographs of any damaged goods and property; don’t throw anything away as it may need to be assessed. Remove mud, clean and disinfect, but leave wet carpets where they are unless absolutely necessary, as they may shrink if you take them up.

Don’t rush to redecorate, as it can take several weeks for everything to dry out properly. Dehumidifiers will help speed the process up and moisture metre readings will indicate when the plaster and woodwork are thoroughly dry, so that you can start to return to normal.

Make sure your home and contents are covered in case the worst happens. For an online quote today click below.