"We
started off with the premise that we would try and help those
families who were suffering severe hardship as a direct result of
the floods.
In
the first instance we 'topped up' food & drink as
required at a place of shelter and spent most of the first
week calling at those houses which had lost both power and mains
water. Members also assisted in distribution of bottled water.
Checking on the vulnerable, giving help and advice where
appropriate.
Once
the flood waters began to recede we visited those who suffered
severe flooding and soon two aspects of hardship became apparent,
both insurance related.
1.
Excesses on insurance policies.
2.
Uninsured financial losses for a number of reasons.
Both
problems, in the main, stem from the history of the area. In terms
of the excesses, most Insurance companies have cleaned up premises
after they have flooded but were not prepared to do any more
building repairs work until after the excess had been paid.
Because of the history we found excesses of £400 - £600. We are
contributing a portion of that excess, on behalf of vulnerable
families, direct to their Insurance company.
We
also found a large number of households without 'flooding' cover
for a number of reasons. Many could not get appropriate cover.
Whilst all insurance companies are continuing to renew 'flooding'
policies in the area most removed the flooding cover once the
policy has lapsed and were asked to issue new policies. So for a
variety of reasons there are many who are uninsured.
Whilst
this caused us some unease members felt we were not here to judge
insurance policy issues, purely the need. We have therefore tried to
be selective and opted to assist those considered to be most
vulnerable by virtue of age or disability.
We have also helped
them by salvaging furniture where possible and in the cleaning of
their properties.
We
have provided basic model fridges and cookers together with
bedding & clothing.
In
some cases we have provided washing machines.
23
August - "We are still out and about covering requests for
assistance and we are now well into our second round of deliveries
of “White” goods and other extras and it seems we are still
the only people offering virtually instant assistance to
householders at present. With more people beginning to return to
their homes the need for assistance is still apparent".