How to prepare for flooding if you live in a vulnerable area

- The upcoming weather will have a decisive impact on the development of the flood situation. If a combination of rain and high temperatures occurs, snow melting may occur decisively too fast, says Therese Hofstad-Nielsen, loss prevention specialist at the insurance company Fremtind.

How to prepare for a flood

If you may be exposed to it, you should take some preventive measures damage.

- Rememberto move valuable items from the basement, warehouse and garage floors. It's also important to move caravans and secure boats and piers, advises Hofstad-Nielsen.

Many people also have rest homes to look after. Those who have caravans along lakes and waterways are moving them to safety.

Homeowners have a responsibility to prevent

As a homeowner, you have the responsibility to take preventive measures against natural damage that may occur in your place of residence. By law, anything that is insured against fire is also insured against natural damage, but as a homeowner you must take certain measures.

– We recommend that homeowners follow the announcements local authorities, weather forecasts and current news. Flood warnings can change quickly. NVE also has its own notification service at subscriber.varsom.no . You can sign up there to receive flood alerts by email and text message, Hofstad-Nielsen says.

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How to prevent flood damage

• Make sure drains and sinks are open so water can flow freely.
• Make sure nearby streams are not blocked by yard waste, branches or other objects.
• Clear your garden of furniture, grills and other items that may be washed away by water.
• If there is a risk of water entering the basement or garage, lift items from the floor. Place items on shelves, racks and plastic boxes that are water-resistant, and remove valuable items from the basement or lower floors. Remove loose carpets and other loose floor coverings.
• Keep basement doors and windows closed. Cover with sandbags if necessary.
• Follow news programs and announcements from local authorities. In case of severe flooding, the authorities may take appropriate measures.
• Arrange with neighbors or friends to take appropriate measures and keep an eye on your home if you are not home.

This way you can limit flood damage if it has already affected you

• Water conducts electricity and may cause short circuits and/or contact hazards (superconductivity). Turn off the fuses for the floor that has been flooded.
• Water heaters and electrical systems that have been underwater must not be started until the unit has been inspected by an electrician.
• It is important that you take care of the things for which you want to receive compensation. In many cases, the insurance company will send an appraiser or partner to assess or repair the damage. Also take photos or video of the damage. They can be used to determine the amount of compensation.
• Good ventilation dries the water. Open windows and doors in the basement or lower floor can provide good ventilation.

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