By Hidayah Sarudin hidayah@mystar.com.my

THE FLOOD in Penang, while unfortunate, is hardly a new occurrence in Malaysia. As a country with frequent rainfalls, different parts of Malaysia have experienced flash foods and water overflows that cause various inconveniences or even tragic incidents.

If you are staying at a flood-prone area, it is best to take the necessary precaution to ensure your safety and wellbeing.

What is the insurance that could cover your properties? What is included in such insurance scheme? What is claimable in the event of a flood?

There are three main types of home insurance policies according to General Insurance Association of Malaysia (Piam):

• Basic Fire Policy: Only cover losses or damages caused by fire and lightning. However, fire policy can be extended to provide additional coverage such as flood damage and damage caused by falling tree or branches.
• Houseowner Policy: Focus on and cover the damage to the physical structure of the building.
• Household Policy - Covers the contents of your home such as sofa, table, tv and even the desktop computer.

Piam also suggested several steps to facilitate one’s insurance claim.

Step 1: Check your insurance policy on whether the loss or damage is covered.

Step 2: Notify your insurance company with full details of the incident.

Step 3: Provide complete and correct information relevant to the insured items. Describe the time, date, extent and cause of the loss or damage.

Step 4: Complete the claims form with full details and return it together with the relevant documents such as bills, reports etc.

Step 5: If the loss is minor, you must provide photographs showing the cause and extent of the loss or damage.

Step 6: The insurer operators will appoint adjusters for significant losses. Always request full identification of the adjusters or investigators before allowing them to assess your property.

Step 7: You should check the time frame for claim notification as stipulated in your policy.

What about the property price?

According to VPC Alliance (PJ) head of administration, agency and valuation Philip Loo, a natural disaster will damage the physical condition of the property, so the affected owners need to fork out more cost for repairment.

Moreover, he said that buyers will avoid or not keen on flood-stricken areas. Thus, the house prices and rental will be affected. The bank is also more cautious on flood-stricken areas, and marked them as “high-risk area”, hence potential buyers will having difficulty in home loan financing.

However, he added that if relevant authorities improved the infrastructure, then the property prices will be stable over time.

What to do if you live in an area with high risk of flooding?  

Here are some tips for you during the wet season.

• Prepare waterproof containers for valuables and necessary documents.
• Arrange an alternative accommodation on the higher ground if you are staying at low lying areas.
• Empty the fridge and cupboards, leave the doors slightly open when evacuating.
• Relocated electrical appliances to higher ground.
• Disconnect electrical appliances which cannot be moved.

Flood recovery guide:

1. Contact your insurer or insurance provider as soon as possible to report losses due to the flood damage.
2. Arrange an alternative accommodation and if necessary, begin the process of restoring your home.
3. Remove the muds and other debris, check your gas and electricity. Remove any damaged fixtures/fitting and furniture. Never touch a downed electrical wire. Call the power company immediately.
4. Practice good personal hygiene and wash your hands often. Wear waterproof boots and gloves to keep the flood water from touching your skin.
5. Protect your health.
   1. Food safety: All food that might have been in contact with flood water.
   2. Water safety: Do not use the tap water directly for drinking, cooking or bathing after the flood. Boil the water and add water purifying tablets.