After two days of severe weather in the southeast of the Netherlands, insurance company Interpolis received a sloppy 250 damage reports from Brabant. It was especially hit on Thursday, when streets in our province were flooded and many roof tiles came loose.
About 30 percent of the 863 damage reports throughout the Netherlands come from Brabant, according to a spokesperson. Interpolis also received many reports from Limburg and Gelderland. The insurer expects the total number to rise further. It is not known how much money is involved.
Most reports related to damage to homes. For example, basements were flooded or there was water damage due to leaks on roofs.
Watch out for loose items
Much of the damage reported to interpolis is caused by loose items. “It can’t hurt to clean up the garden once in a while”, a spokesperson for Interpolis gives as a tip to prevent damage. “Flower pots, parasols, trampolines; make sure nothing can blow away. Also consider garden furniture. Try to secure that one too, or inside. That way everything stays neatly on the ground.”
Watch out for trees!
If you are still busy in the garden, immediately remove the dead or loose branches from your trees. And to err on the side of caution: park your car under a sturdy roof, shed or garage. In any case, make sure that it is not near a tree.
Check the roof covering.
Also check whether roof tiles, ridge ridges and roof lead are loose or have shifted. During your climb, also take a close look at the solar panels, dishes, flagpole and antennas. Is everything tight? Just to be clear: never do this during a storm. Nobody is happy about a blown away Brabanter.
after the storm
Before things start to get haunted, make sure that your awning and fencing are folded in. And then the storm does indeed break loose: stay indoors! If, despite the check round, something still breaks, wait until peace has returned to repair. After the storm you can check if something is broken. Also keep an eye out for any leaks in the roof.
ALSO READ: Millions of euros in damage and a lot of suffering, that’s how bad weather ravaged us before