The immediate aftermath of a winter storm can be overwhelming and knowing where to turn is difficult.
The following guidance outlines some need-to-know information to help you navigate recovery.
Insurance Tips
Contact your insurance broker or insurer immediately to begin the claims process. Ask what to expect, provide any documents and evidence that they require.
• Itemise damaged possessions and take photos.
• Make temporary repairs to prevent further damage to your home, but consult your insurance broker before signing contracts with remediation or maintenance contractors for significant work.
• Meet with your loss adjuster to discuss the next steps.
Personal Safety Guidance
• While attempting to stay warm, minimise the risk of fires and carbon monoxide poisoning; never heat your home using the oven or use a generator or camp stove inside if you have loss your central heating.
• During power outages, disconnect electronics to avoid damage from electrical surges.
• Avoid overexertion when shovelling snow, and exercise caution when walking on ice.
• Watch out for signs of hypothermia and other cold weather-related illnesses; contact a healthcare professional immediately if you or your family exhibit symptoms.
Weather Alerts
Keep updated with the Met Office Weather Warnings and follow their advice.
Disaster Assistance Recovery Resources
• British Red Cross: 0344 871 11 11 or https://www.redcross.org.uk/
• National Emergencies Trust: https://nationalemergenciestrust.org.uk/
• Salvation Army: 020 7367 4500 or https://www.salvationarmy.org.uk/
How confident are you that your business is protected from any other storms?
Storms can cause property and content damage and as a result, can lead to your business not being able to operate meaning you’re potentially losing money whilst you’re closed.
However this is where different types of insurance policies can step in and help your business to financially recover from the consequences of the storm. A building’s insurance policy can help towards the cost of repairing any damages to your building and a business interruption policy can help recover losses from the days that you’ve been unable to trade.
These are two examples of the types of policies that can be in place to support your business however, speak with an Insurance Broker like us about the protection available for your business.
