UNISON Welfare Information Sheet
Advice for UNISON members affected by flooding
Last updated 12.09.08
Introduction
In the wake of recent widespread flooding, including in the Aberdeenshire
area, UNISON Welfare has updated the following information for
members and to assist branch officers who are advising them.
Insurance advice
- Members should contact their household insurer as soon as
possible. Many have emergency help lines to arrange for repairs
to be carried out as quickly as possible.
- Temporary emergency repairs at a reasonable cost should be
paid by the insurers but make sure you keep all your receipts.
- Most household policies will cover reasonable cost of alternative
accommodation, up to stated limits, if the property is uninhabitable.
- You should always try to salvage your belongings but without
putting yourself at personal risk.
- In these special circumstances many insurance companies will
be prepared to offer an interim payment to cover the cost of
clothes etc.
- Insurers can usually help with the cleaning up and drying
out of homes
- Fully comprehensive motor policies will cover flood damage.
Other advice
- If you are flooded ensure the mains power supply is switched
off. Make sure your main power, gas and water supplies are checked
by a reputable and fully qualified tradesman before reconnecting.
- As there is the possibility of further flooding you should
contact the Environment Agency Floodline on 0845 988 1188 for
advice on current river conditions or listen to local radio.
- Keep important contact details, such as insurance documents,
in a waterproof plastic bag.
- If safe and practical to do so move property to higher floors.
- Be prepared to turn off the gas, electricity and water at
the mains.
- Always wear waterproof gloves when handling soiled items.
- Once the flood water has begun to recede if the weather permits
open all windows during the day. Although you will instinctively
want to dry items as quickly as possible do not expose them
to extreme levels of heat as this could result in further damage.
- Get hold of a de-humidifier and when the windows are closed
leave one running for every 2 affected rooms. Fridges and freezers
should be cleaned out as soon as possible and any food thrown
away. If you have the relevant insurance cover, remember to
keep a list of the food items for your claim.
- Store damaged furniture and fittings in a dry place - they
may have a salvage value or be repairable and will certainly
need to be inspected by the insurance company.
- Once the floodwater has receded remember it may be contaminated.
- Be careful what you touch and look out for signs of pollution.
top
What UNISON Welfare can do?
We can give advice and/or may be able to give assistance to members
struggling financially subject to certain criteria. For example:
- Help towards the cost of replacing household items where there
is no contents insurance and essential items have been lost
or severely damaged.
- Help to purchase clothing that has been destroyed.
- Emergency help whilst initial assessment of situation is carried
out by insurers.
If you need more information or help to apply for assistance,
contact our Branch Welfare Officer, Les Chalmers via the UNISON
Resource Centre tel: 01224 620624.
How to apply
Applications can be made by downloading the form from the website
http://www.unison.org.uk/welfare/index.asp.
Alternatively call UNISON Welfare on 020 7551 1620 and request
a form. You can also phone this number or speak to Les Chalmers
(see above) to discuss the situation if unsure as to whether an
application to UNISON Welfare is appropriate or you can email
welfare@unison.co.uk
top
Useful websites
- www.environment-agency.gov.uk
The Environment Agency has updates on severe flood warnings
and which parts of England and Wales are likely to see flooding.
Also contains advice for keeping safe and protecting property.
- http://www.sepa.org.uk
The Scottish Environment Protection Agency is the flood warning
authority in Scotland.
- http://www.info4local.gov.uk
The government website info4local offers details of services
offered by local government, central government and public bodies.
- http://www.turn2us.org.uk
Website which connects people in difficulties with charitable
funds providing grants. Lists hundreds of charities including
UNISON Welfare.
- Click
here to visit your local authority website for local information
and sources of help.
top
|
