Don’t let Stormy Weather ruin your Winter

Autumn has arrived and with it the weather begins to turn. As in previous years we can expect some pretty atrocious storms at various points over the winter but there a few precautions we can take in order to limit the amount of damage should they head our way
<BR><BR>
Because storms can inflict a fair degree of damage to residential properties the majority of home insurance policies include storm or flood as an insurable risk; subject to location and vulnerability of the property being insured, of course. So, if the worst happens and you have buildings and contents insurance at least you will have peace of mind that the majority of your property and possessions will be covered. However, do check your policy for any exclusions such as fences or other items in your garden or exterior of the property.
<BR><BR>
But, being uninsured when catastrophe strikes causes not only cause a fair degree of emotional distress but can lead to severe economic hardship. Flood damage can wipe out the entire contents of a property’s ground floor, or may even cause damage even higher up the property depending upon the severity of the flood. That could result in the ruination of tens of thousands of pounds worth of electrical appliances, furniture and other personal possessions including some that are irreplaceable and whose loss causes great sadness.
<BR><BR>
In addition to making sure that you have adequate  <a onClick="javascript:pageTracker._trackPageview('/outgoing/article_exit_link');" href="home">http://money.marksandspencer.com/insurance/home-insurance/overview/">home insurance</a> there are some precautions you can take when storms are heading your way in order to minimise any potential damage. For example, if there is a risk of flooding take all valuables and, if possible, electrical items upstairs. Or if you live in a single storey dwelling try to move as much as you possibly can into the loft. Obviously, very heavy items such as sofas, dining room tables and white goods are not easily moved so attempt to raise such heavy items a few inches off the floor onto bricks or wood to at least offer some protection against shallow flooding.
<BR><BR>
In the case of severe winds and gales ensure that you stow away as much from your garden as you can in a garage or secure outhouse. Although you can put away patio sets, garden machinery, bikes etc you cannot protect fences or other less robust structures. If your fences are very long you may wish to buy a home insurance policy which covers damage to such structures, although do check that storm damage is covered, as many policies state that as an exclusion.
<BR><BR>