Storms, Floods & Winter Weather
We have all seen what effects the weather can have on our homes, and with storms recently hitting the UK, it’s a good idea to stay safe and protect your belongings. Here are some safety tips and advice to prevent flood damage if you suffer a flood:
Stock up on sandbags, flood barriers and more.
Temporarily seal your air bricks with a cover.
Keep gutters clear.
Never enter a flooded room where electricity is still live. Turn off circuit breakers that control power in that room. If the electrical panel is inaccessible due to flooding, call your landlord or an electrician.
Protect yourself – wear gloves and rubber boots.
If it’s sewage, outdoor flooding, toilet overflow or other potential toxic water, leave the removal to qualified professionals.
Take photos to document the extent of the damage.
Remove as much water as you can using buckets, pumps and mops (be careful water is heavy).
Ventilate – open windows and run fans (when safe).
We hope that you will never suffer a flood or water damage, but these things do happen, and that is why your Landlord and the National Housing Federation suggests all tenants take out home contents insurance, either through the My Home Contents Insurance Scheme or by making your own arrangements.
Please remember you are responsible for replacing your home contents and belongings. Contents insurance is designed to help protect your possessions and personal belongings, and it’s a good idea to consider what a home contents insurance policy would cover you for to help you make an informed decision on whether you need one.
The My Home Contents Insurance Scheme was designed for tenants in social housing, and you can pay premiums by cash fortnightly or monthly, monthly by direct debit or annually. (Fortnightly and monthly premiums include a transaction charge).
There are three ways to contact My Home.
Call My Home on 0345 450 7288
Request an application pack from your local housing office
Visit www.thistlemyhome.co.uk, where you can also request someone to call you back!
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