It’s been a comparatively quiet winter season in the UK so far – but sadly, that all looks about to change and with some potentially devastating consequences.
Thousands across the east coast of England have been instructed to evacuate their homes with a tidal surge predicted. The warnings are not limited to one small area either, with 12 severe weather warnings in place across the UK meaning insurers should take steps to ensure their clients are well prepared in affected regions.
According to a BBC report, 5,000 homes across Great Yarmouth are being evacuated in Norfolk, along with homes in West Mersea, Jaywick and Mistley in Essex.
The evacuation message has come directly from the police with Chief Inspector Russ Cole telling the BBC that “latest forecasting tells us that risk has moved to the next high tide, expected just after midnight.”
Co-Op Insurance said it is already pro-actively contacting customers in high-risk areas.
“If a flood does happen, we would urge people not to do anything that puts them personally at risk, such as trying to drive in flood waters. Possessions can be replaced, but people can’t,” said Jonathan Guy, head of claims at Co-Op Insurance.
“We continue to assess the situation and are here to help our customers should they need us, with extra staff on standby to cover what could potentially be a busy weekend. This is understandably a worrying time for many people in these affected areas and we want to ensure that they focus on what is really important to them and to try to ensure that the claims process is the least of their worries.”
Meanwhile, the Association of British Insurers has issued the following guidance to homeowners.
- Make sure you are signed up to the Environment Agency’s flood warnings service at https://flood-warning-information.service.gov.uk/. Take note of any advice issued by the EA, your local council or the emergency services and stay safe.
- Assemble a flood kit containing items such as their mobile phone, contact telephone numbers, a torch, a radio, batteries, insurance policy details, rubber gloves, hand cleaning gel, first aid kit and a bottle of water.
- Move valuable and essential items to a higher place or upstairs if possible.
- Consider moving your car to an area less likely to flood.
- Ensure your pets are somewhere they can be cared for.
- Install any temporary flood resistance measures such as flood gates or toilet bungs.
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