With many homes suffering damage from the devastating floods this week, More Than Home Insurance has issued the following advice to homes and small businesses affected by the flood water.

1. Your home insurance company is there to help and should offer you flood and claims advice. Check your policy documents for the necessary contact details.


2. Most importantly, do not touch any electrics


3. Take notice of advice given by the Environment Agency and your local council.


4. The Environment Agency has a 24 hour Floodline available on 0845 988 1188. Further advice and flood warnings can also be found on their website at www.environment-agency.gov.uk.org.uk.


5. Once the water begins to recede, weather permitting, open all windows during the day. The air outside your house will be less moist than that inside, so it helps to dry the house out. Turn the heating off to save energy. By the mid-afternoon, the air outside your home will be moist, so close your windows and turn the heating back on.


6. It's important not expose any wet or damp items to high levels of heat as this could damage them further. If your central heating is working, turn it on at a low, constant temperature so that everything dries out gradually.


7. When salvaging photographs or valuable paperwork, remove excess water, keep them tightly together and leave to dry naturally.


8. Use a de-humidifier to take the moisture out of the air. When the windows are closed leave one running for every two affected rooms.


9. Your fridge and/or freezer should be cleaned as soon as possible and any food destroyed. If your home insurance policy covers you for the loss of fridge/freezer contents, remember to keep a list of the food items and, if possible, take photographs.


10. Store damaged furniture and fittings in a dry place as they may have a salvage value or be repairable and will certainly need to be inspected.


11. Clear out any mud or silt that has collected in airbricks as this will aid ventilation under floorboards and prevent rot.


12. Clear all soaked rubber-backed carpets as these will have to be replaced. Leave hessian-backed carpets to dry, as they will shrink if lifted. Once dry, the carpets can be lifted to dry underneath.


13. Once the water has receded, remember that it could be contaminated. Be careful
    what you touch and look out for signs of pollution.


14. Do not start to redecorate - your property must dry out properly which may take months. Take advice from a decorator or other expert first.

Managing director at More than, Mike Holliday-Williams, said: "Our advice to people affected by flooding is to use the skills and expertise of your insurance company. Our claims staff are trained to deal with these disasters and will relieve some of the immense stress and strain these extreme situations can bring. By following the advice from your insurer and other experts, you will be able to reduce the amount of damage to your possessions and your home."