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Main ContentEarthquake Information and Advice Service
01303 853 566 / 01303 853 567
Following Saturday’s earth tremor a list of Q: I’m worried that my property has been damaged. I need someone to come and assess how serious it is.A: Damage to homes or businesses from earthquake will normally be covered by insurance so you should contact your insurance company immediately - your insurance company’s Claim Line telephone number will be set out in your policy documents. The Association of British Insurers has said that if property is unsafe or cannot be occupied the costs of making it safe or of alternative accommodation should also be covered. If you are a tenant you should contact your landlord and if you are a leaseholder you should contact your freeholder or managing agent. If you are concerned that your property has suffered serious damage and is a danger to the public please also contact the Council on either of the advice service numbers above.
Q: My home has been damaged but I don’t think it’s unsafe. What should I do?A: If you’re a home owner, you should contact your insurance company. They will advise on the next steps you should take and whether you are covered for any necessary repair work. If you are a tenant you should contact your landlord and if you are a leaseholder you should contact your freeholder or managing agent. Q: Should I check my flue?A: We would advise residents to check their flues and chimneys to make sure they are not damaged or blocked by debris. It is essential that flues and chimneys are clear to stop toxic fumes entering homes. Residents who are worried should avoid using solid fuel and gas appliances before they have been inspected by a suitably qualified expert for example a Corgi (for gas) or HETAS (for solid fuel appliances) registered person. Details of registered companies can be found in Yellow Pages and other directories. Q. My property has been damaged but I have no buildings insurance?
A: Please contact the Council on either of the advice service numbers above. Alternatively you can contact the Shepway Citizens Advice Bureau on Q. Who can I get to repair my home?
A: Contact your insurance company in the first instance. They may have a list of preferred contractors or be able to provide you with a list of reputable builders who can offer repair work. The Council cannot recommend any contractors but we would advise you to be cautious about anyone going door to door offering to carry out repair work. Our advice would be to get several written quotes and agree on a price before any work starts. If you need help in finding contractors, the Shepway Home Improvement Agency has a list of contractors which it can supply to you. You can contact them at 6 Town Walk, Folkestone or Q. I have been contacted by someone who has offered to undertake building works on my property but am concerned that they might be a rogue trader. What should I do?A: Be wary of unscrupulous traders offering to carry out repair work on damaged properties and do not be pressured into paying for cash-in-hand work offered by doorstep callers. Kent Trading Standards officers are in the area as a deterrent and their advice includes:
Conmen use tactics to trick people into parting with their money using comments such as ‘we represent your insurance company (or local authority) and have already been approved to start work’ or, ‘you must have the work done immediately or the insurance company will not pay for the damage’. Q. Can I get any help with completing an insurance claim or dealing with my insurance company?
A: Many insurance companies offer advice and assistance and you should contact yours in the first instance to see how they can help. Alternatively, if you require assistance with insurance matters, the Shepway Citizens Advice Bureau have set up a helpline on Q. I’m a private tenant, who do I speak to about the repairs?A: You need to speak to your landlord who will arrange for the insurers to send someone to inspect. Your landlord may also be arranging for contractors to visit to repair the damage. It is the landlord’s responsibility to deal with the insurance issues. Q. I’m a private tenant, but my landlord cannot be contacted. What can I do?
A: If you need assistance with repairs to a home you rent privately, please contact us on either of our advice lines Q. I’m a private tenant and my landlord has been contacted, but will not do the repairs to make the building safe. What can I do?
A: If you need assistance with repairs to a home you rent privately, please contact us on either of our advice lines Q: I’m a leaseholder, who do I speak to about the repairs?A: You should contact the freeholder or managing agent for the property and ask them to make arrangements to assess the damage and carry out the repairs. It will be their responsibility to deal with the insurance issues. Q. I’m a Housing Association tenant, who do I speak to about the repairs?A: You should contact your Housing Association. It will be their responsibility to deal with the repairs. Please see attached contact list for details. Q. Can the Council offer any financial assistance with works?
A: In some circumstances, for example if you are not insured, the Council can offer financial assistance for necessary repairs, including any work needed to make the property structurally safe. For further information, please contact us on either of our advice lines Q. What other help can the Council offer?A: In addition to the advice and services set out above, we are currently looking into what other assistance local people need and will be doing our best to meet these needs. We will be publicising further details of these additional services soon.
HOUSING ASSOCIATION PARTNERS
Southern Housing Group
Orbit Housing Association
Moat Housing Association
Places For People Group
CDS Co-operative Society
Sanctuary HA
Hyde Housing Assoc
Hanover HA
Housing 21
Downland HA
Methodist Homes
Anchor HA
Rosemary Simmons Memorial Trust
Raglan HA
Swale Housing Created : Mon,28 May 2007
Updated : Tue,29 May 2007 |
08701 243804 or the Shepway Home Improvement Agency on