Severn Vale Housing Society

CUSTOMER INFORMATION 26th JULY 2007

Information for all customers whose property has been affected by the flooding:

• We are still trying to assess how many people have been affected.
• We will shortly be distributing Advice leaflets which will be supplied via residents associations and local shops.
• Insurance assessors are out looking at the extent of the damage. All affected properties will need to be assessed.
• Properties will take a long time to dry out assuming that drying equipment can be brought from the North East where it is currently in use following floods there.
• At the present time we are unable to say how long customers will be away from their homes.
• We may need to enter properties to remove wet carpets to commence the clean up process and help start the drying process.
• In all cases we will take up carpets and leave a swatch for insurance purposes we will also take digital photographs of the contents for future evidence.
• We will try and contact customers before entering a property but if we cannot we will enter anyway to protect the fabric and structure of the building.
• If your home has been flood damaged we do not recommend you returning to your home before it is dried out and repaired. If you do not follow this advice and return to live in your property you must have the electricity supply checked. Do not switch on electricity if there is still water on the floors. You will also be asked to sign a disclaimer if you insist on returning to a property which SVHS believes is uninhabitable.
• You are NOT expected to pay rent if your property is uninhabitable due to flood damage. We are currently checking the situation regarding those on housing benefit. Your contents insurance may cover you for the cost of temporary accommodation but you will need to check the details with your insurers.
• Once property assessments have been completed we will provide skips to take away ruined items. Try to keep a list of what has been lost and if possible take photographs.
• If you do not have contents insurance then unfortunately even if your carpets are removed SVHS will not be responsible for their replacement.