Direct Line offers advice to households to weather out the latest storm

Direct Line, one of the UK's leading insurers, is today warning households to be prepared for damage to their property as the worst storm of the winter hits the UK.

Bad weather has already caused many roads to flood and areas such as London, the South, Wales, East and West England, are on high alert.

Andrew Lowe, Direct Line's Head of Home Insurance, comments: "The UK has been hit by a series of severe weather events over the past few months so households may be even more vulnerable to damage than usual.

Therefore, it's even more important to prepare and secure your home against adverse weather.

Representatives from our emergency home response team are already providing assistance to customers whose property may have been affected by today's bad weather.

Our priority will be to offer assistance and to provide help and advice on the steps that need to be taken to get the claims processed as quickly as possible." Direct Line offers the following advice to householders: Secure loose items such as garden furniture, sheds, barbecues and bikes, all of which can become hazardous during a storm.

Make sure you know how to turn off your electricity, water and gas - you may need to switch them off during a storm.

Check your roof as loose tiles can easily be blown off during high winds.

Check the guttering is in a good state of repair and firmly attached to the building.

If it's blocked it could lead to flooding and damp problems inside your home Inspect any trees on and around your property.

Loose or long branches can damage your house, windows or greenhouses in high winds.

Make sure you have a torch handy in case of a power cut In case of a power cut, try not to open your fridge/ freezer too much to keep in the cold.

Food can remain frozen for up to 36-48 hours in a closed freezer.

Arrange for temporary repairs to stop the damage getting worse, and keep receipts for any such work as they will form part of your insurance claim In case of flooding: Direct Line customers should contact our claim line on 0845 246 8710 as soon as possible.

Take photographs of the damage to your building and contents or film the footage; they may help with the settlement of your claim.

Don't throw away possessions, they will need to be assessed.

Do not use the electrical equipment or gas supply until it has been checked by a qualified tradesman.

Wash taps and run them for a few minutes before use.

Do not lift wet carpets unless absolutely necessary as they may shrink.

Do not use the electrical or gas supply until it has been checked by a qualified tradesman.

Open doors and windows to ventilate the house but make sure your house and valuables are secure.

There's always the chance of another flood.

Restock any supplies that you have used as soon as possible.

To arrange an interview with a Direct Line spokesperson please call Claire Foster on 0208 285 8682 or email Claire.foster@rbs.co.uk.

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