Consumer Council Advice For Those Affected By Flooding
Thursday 22 July 2010
With consumers across Northern Ireland affected by flash flooding on Wednesday 21 July – giving rise to concerns that more could be on the way – the Consumer Council has issued advice for homes and businesses.
Kathy Graham, Head of Water at the Consumer Council said, "It is a terrible experience to have your home or business flooded. Our advice to consumers is:
If you experience flooding: Call the Flooding Incident Line (FIL) on 0300 2000 100. It is a 24/7 helpline that will pass on your complaint to the relevant agency (NI Water, Roads Service, Rivers Agency).
After you have reported flooding: The relevant agency should come out to assess the situation and, if appropriate, help with any clean up1. Once the water has gone and the clean up is finished, consumers should contact their insurance company.
Preparing for future flooding: There are some steps consumers can take if they experience repeat flooding:
- Keep a list of emergency numbers to hand (eg the FIL, insurance company etc);
- Make sure your insurance covers against flood damage. If you don't have insurance, consider shopping around now to see if there's a policy that's affordable and meets your needs;
- Make sure you know where to turn off the gas/electricity;
- Keep drains and gullies on your property clear; and
- Keep a supply of sandbags.
1 For example, they will help clear away the flood water and flood debris and apply a mild disinfectant to the area.
"However, while consumers can take steps to prepare for flooding it is the responsibility of the government agencies to do everything possible to prevent flooding and respond to consumers when it occurs.
"For more flooding advice, consumers can visit the Consumer Council website at http://www.consumercouncil.org.uk/water/flooding/ .
"The Consumer Council is the statutory consumer representative body for water and sewerage services. If you have made a complaint to Northern Ireland Water and are not happy with the response you get, contact the Consumer Council and we will investigate your complaint on your behalf. Water consumers should contact us on 0800 121 6022 or complaints@consumercouncil.org.uk."
1. Consumer Council media contact: Paula Gunn, telephone, 028 9067 4816 or e-mail, pgunn@consumercouncil.org.uk
2. The Consumer Council is an independent consumer organisation, working to bring about change to benefit Northern Ireland's consumers. The Council campaigns for high standards of service and protection and a fair deal for all. It also carries out research, gives advice and publishes reports and other publications. It deals with individual complaints about buses, trains, planes, ferries, natural gas, electricity, coal and water.
3. For more information, visit our website at www.consumercouncil.org.uk
