Preparing for a storm
Create a list of emergency numbers
In case you're affected by flooding or storms, make sure you put together a list of contact numbers you may need. Include any home emergency helplines offered by your insurer, local authorities and utility companies. If your area is prone to flooding, you may already have flood groups and community hubs where you can find clothing, shelter and advice during a flood.
Check your drains and gutters
If it’s safe to do so, check that your drains and gutters are clear of any debris and leaves, so rainfall can drain properly and effectively away from your home.
Get moving
Move your vehicles to higher ground if it’s safe to do so and make sure you, your family and pets move to safety when preparing for a storm if necessary.
Proof your garden
Secure anything in your garden that could damage your home in a storm, like loose ladders or garden furniture.
Protect your home
If you've been given protection for your home such as flood barriers, air brick covers, or sandbags, make sure you use them.
In case of a flood
Get protected
Protect yourself by wearing gloves and rubber boots when going into flooded water.
Document the damage
If a flooding has already occurred, make sure you take photos to document the extent of the damage to help with your insurance claims.
Turn off your supplies
If you can, turn off your gas, electricity and water supplies. Never touch an electrical switch if you’re standing in water.
Reduce the water
Remove as much water as you can from your home using buckets, pumps and mops. Be careful while you’re doing this - water can be surprisingly heavy.
Bring in some air
If your home has flooded, make sure you ventilate by opening windows and running fans when it’s safe to do so.
Beware of water and electricity
Never enter a flooded room where electricity is still live. Turn off circuit breakers that control that room. If your electrical panel is inaccessible due to flooding, get in touch with us or an electrician.
Are you insured?
Please remember that you’re responsible for replacing your home contents and belongings if they are damaged by a storm or flooding, so it’s a good idea to consider a home contents insurance policy.
All of our customers, both tenants and leaseholders, are eligible to apply for The National Housing Federation’s My Home Contents Insurance scheme, which covers you for damage caused by floods and storms.
For more information and full policy terms and exclusions, you can call them on 0345 450 7288 or you can request for someone to call you back by filling out a form.
Let us know
Don’t forget that you can get in contact with us if you need any repairs, for example if you were to spring a leak! The quickest and easiest way to do this is through My Account. We also have an out-of-hours repairs service, so we’re always available for you.
The National Housing Federation My Home Contents Insurance Scheme is a product name arranged and administered on behalf of the National Housing Federation by Thistle Tenant Risks a trading style of Thistle Insurance Services Limited. Thistle Insurance Services Limited is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority FRN 310419. Registered in England under No. 00338645. Registered office: Rossington’s Business Park, West Carr Road, Retford, Nottinghamshire, DN22 7SW. The National Housing Federation is an Appointed Representative of Thistle Insurance Services Limited. Thistle
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