Dealing with natural disasters

Though natural disasters are rare, they can and do happen. Floods, freak storms, and high winds have hit the UK in recent years.

The UK has even experienced uncommon natural disasters like earthquakes and typhoons. Changing weather patterns across the globe has seen a rise in freak weather events not just in the UK, but also around the world. The damage caused by just one natural disaster can be huge in terms of human suffering and the cost of repairing the damage. Home insurance and home emergency insurance are vital for ensuring that in the event of a natural disaster, you will be able to rebuild your home and/or replace its contents. It can provide a measure of peace of mind in the midst of an emotionally stressful time.

What kind of insurance do I need?
There are a range of home insurance options that will cover the structure of your home and its contents. Use our helpful guide to understand the types of home insurance cover available.
• Buildings insurance
Covers damage to the structure of your home. It can also cover damage to outbuildings, fences and gates and some kitchen and bathroom fixtures. Speak to your insurer about the amount of cover you need in the event of a natural disaster.
• Contents insurance
Covers your home contents and can include furniture, carpets, personal possessions and garden items. What you are covered for is detailed in the terms and conditions of your insurance policy. Read it carefully so that you know exactly how much cover you have and what it includes. Some policies exclude clothing.

Be prepared
Whether it's a flood, storm, lightening, fire, explosion or earthquake, knowing how to deal with a disaster is vital to staying safe. We've prepared some useful tips for you on what to do in the event of a flood.
• Flood-risk
Is your home in a flood-risk area? If it is, you need to listen out for flood warnings on your local TV and radio stations. You can call the Environment Agency Floodline information service on 0845 988 118 24-hours a day for updates. You can also log on to www.environment-agency.gov.uk for up-to-the-minute information on flood warnings. If you live in a flood-risk area, you need to inform your insurance company.
• Flood emergency kit
Make up a flood emergency kit and keep it in a waterproof bag in a place you can get to it quickly in the event of an emergency.
Your kit should include:
• Personal documents
• First aid kit
• Essential medication
• Torch with spare batteries
• Portable radio with spare batteries
• Warm clothing
• Blankets
• Rubber boots and gloves
• Cleaning equipment
• Disinfectant and detergent
• Heavy duty refuse bags
• Protect your possessions
Park your car on the highest ground possible. Move valuable items like furniture and ornaments to a safe, dry place as quickly as possible.
• Switch off
Know how and where to switch off your gas and electricity. After a flood, you will need to get your electricity supply checked for damage by a professional.
• Prepare your home
Make sure you home is well maintained. Clear out your gutters at least once a year. Lag water tanks and pipes. Repair any damage to tiles or brickwork, weak spots in a storm can cause more damage to your home. Some insurance companies do not cover loss or damage to hedges, gates or fences by falling trees, branches or a flood. So make sure you cut back your trees when necessary to limit any potential damage caused by a natural disaster.

Home insurance tips
Once it is safe to return to your home, contact your insurance company immediately so that they can start processing your claim immediately. Whether you need to move into temporary accommodation or arrange repairs to your home, the sooner you notify your insurer, the quicker you'll be able to get back to normal.
Store your damaged contents in a safe, dry place in case you need to show your insurer the extent of the damage.

For more information about the types of home insurance and home emergency insurance available from Direct Line, visit http://www.directline.com.