What To Do If You're Flooded

A question about : What To Do If You're Flooded

SUGGESTIONS PLEASE!!!
:confused:
Bearing in mind the nationwide issues with flooding, I wondered if anyone out there with experience of coping with this problem might be able to offer those searching for some help in the next few days some words of advice.

I experienced a low-scale flood about 6 years ago, and from my experience I would suggest trying to hang on to the damaged items, where possible and if not a health hazard, until the insurance assessor arrives. We had thrown out our carpets and underlay, because they were sodden, but the assessor still wanted to see the remnants round the side of the house, presumably to assess the quality of underlay and carpet we'd lost. Fortunately our house was only a year old when it happened, so we had all the receipts to back up our claim anyway.

It took longer for us to get the cost of our kitchen replacement assessed, as we had to go back to the original supplier/fitter to get a realistic quote, which could have meant the difference of about Ј3k in payout. Our broker was great at offering advice on procedure.

Best wishes to anyone who has been flooded, or is helping those in these difficult circumstances.

Best answers:

• When I was flooded about 3 years ago we kept everything for the assessor to see and they took a very cursory glance at it all. They did want a full list though of everything, right down to individual items of clothing that were damaged, and said that they might check on a randon basis, so don't be silly and claim for Prada if you're more of a Primark type of person. As it was they accepted our claim as valid within hours and paid us out a week or so later.
  The main rebuilding work (mine was a downwards flood rather than an upwards flood) was done within a few months but before they started we had to have industrial dryers in for a month or so to dry out the brickwork, even then several ceilings had to come down.
  I took photos both before and during the repair work so when there was a slight argument about how much of the bathroom was tiled I had photos to back up my argument that I had a higher height of tiles than they were proposing to replace.
  My real suggestion would be to get a lever file and note everything, all your losses, all your telephone conversations etc. Then it is all in one place in case you need to refer to anything in case of problems later.
• Hi Sarymcclary,
  Just to say what a thoughtful post - I'm sure it will be helpful to many who find themselves in this situation. Thankfully I'm not affected but the pictures on TV of the sheer extent of the floods are dreadful. So hard to believe unless you are there and see it with your own eyes. As you say, all best wishes to everyone affected that they get back to normal quickly.
  Regards
• https://www.bbc.co.uk/southyorkshire/..._feature.shtml
• We've been flooded here in North Lincolnshire since late afternoon monday. Up to 2 feet deep inside the bungalow. We were away at the time so nothing was picked up or saved. Fire Brigade and local Council succeeded to pump out over 3 days but its been raining most of the night and the water is rising again. It hasn't flooded the bungalow again but the garage, drive and gardens are up to 6 inches deep. No idea when insurance assesors will turn up as all the major news is about South Yorkshire, which is suffering far worse than we are.
  The worst part is that most of our 'sentimental' belongings, kids toys, photos etc were packed away in the garage ready for a house move! Unfortunately you can't insure them.
  Anyone ever tried to drain 6 inches of water from a Peugeot 206? Very difficult.
  Sat at the moment in our motorhome on the drive watching the water rise. If it reaches half way up the wheels then we're off.
  This property has never been flooded before. It seems that the 'beck' which drains the farmland and local properties has been built over or converted to water features by some residents further down the line. I wouldn't wish flooding on anyone but I hope they get their just desserts in court at a later date.
• Poor you, it just shows how some careless action can affect other people.
  Surely the enviroment had a responsibility to ensure this did not happen, we live right next to a river, and the enviroment agency walk it regularly to check people have not done anything to the flood defence bank.
  This is a bit late now, but might be useful once the insurance company starts to get the repairs underway.
  https://www.floodresilienthome.com/