Tuesday, November 24, 2009
Category:
Home Improvements
As the weather takes a turn for the worse, Direct Line has offered some advice to householders who may be affected by floods.
- Make sure that rain water is able to flow away from your property effectively by keeping any drains and gutters clear.
- Store expensive electrical possessions in high cupboards.
- Secure any outdoor belongings to eliminate the possibility of them causing secondary damage.
- Plan how to vacate the property in the event of a flood.
- As long as it is safe to use electrical equipment, keep up-to-date with the latest weather information via local television and radio.
- When faced with a flood, switch off electricity at the mains to minimise the risk of electrocution and fire.
- Be sure to keep documents, such as insurance policies and contact details, in a watertight bag and store this somewhere dry and accessible – upstairs if possible.
- Prepare an emergency kit and leave this in a safe location. This should include items such as a torch, warm clothing, rubber boots, and essential medication.
- List any useful numbers that may be required, such as those of insurance companies, the council, emergency services, and Floodline.
- Invest in air brick covers or flood boards for blocking doorways.
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Homeowners who would like to carry out
home improvements, to protect their property against the elements, but do not have the funds to hand, could consider taking out a secured loan. One of many finance options available, a secured loan for home improvements could be used to improve a property’s resistance to the elements. For example, a poor quality roof could be replaced to ensure that it is capable of keeping out heavy rainfall. Furthermore, weak or poorly fitted windows and doors could be replaced with modern counterparts to make a property as watertight as possible. Whilst conducting work on a property, borrowers could even embark upon a little re-decoration at the same time if desired.
