Met Eireann has cautioned that a wetter-than-normal summer is set to continue with more localised flooding ahead as widespread rain and wind continues to remain prevalent.
Experts behind leading insurance providers Insuremyhouse.ie and Insuremyshop.ie are advising home and business owners to do what they can to protect their property to mitigate the likelihood of flood damage.
“While parts of Europe such as Greece, Spain, Sardinia, and Italy have been grappling with temperatures above 45°, Ireland has seen near record-breaking levels of rainfall this July. With more heavy rainfall and strong winds expected this week, it is essential for everyone to be mindful of the advisory note issued by Met Eireann and take whatever measures they can. Thousands of homes and businesses have been hit by adverse and extreme Irish weather in recent years and have felt the brunt of the financial hardship this damage can cause.
Each year, we witness the unfortunate reality of homes and businesses being destroyed by flooding, high winds, burst pipes, and other weather-related incidents, inflicting misery on those affected,” Jonathan Hehir, Managing Director of Insuremyhouse.ie and Insuremyshop.ie, commented.
The insurance experts have outlined the steps people can take to prepare and protect themselves and their property -
Check your external walls and windows to ensure they are adequately water-resistant. There are various different products, sealants, and varnishes available to waterproof any areas of concern.
In the event of a flood warning in your area, it might be worth investing in sandbags and/or flood barriers to protect your property, particularly if you live in a flood-risk area.
During more risky periods make sure to keep personal and valuable items as high above ground level as possible, and check where the water, gas and electricity mains are for your home, should you need to turn them off or on at any stage.
If you are unfortunate enough to suffer any property damage it is imperative that you contact your insurer as soon as possible to start the claims process.
Slow down – extra surface water, high winds, broken branches, runaway trampolines – there are a myriad of reasons for driving slower and with extra caution in stormy conditions.
Check your tyres – if they are not roadworthy you should not drive until they are in optimal driving state.
Pull in – if the weather takes a turn while you are on the road, find a safe location and pull in and wait for it to pass
Mr. Hehir cautioned anyone who allows their insurance cover to lapse for even a short period of time that they are leaving themselves in a precarious position,
“Every year when Met Eireann issues warnings of adverse weather approaching, we receive numerous calls from homeowners across the country who have let their insurance coverage lapse, sometimes just by a few days or weeks, and now want to make sure they are protected in the event of storm-related damage. However, adopting such a risky approach is ill-advised - given the highly changeable nature of Irish weather, many individuals could leave themselves exposed if they fail to renew their policies on or before their renewal date.
Even a small break in cover can put people in a precarious situation should any property damage occur during that gap period,” Mr Hehir concluded.
