A HIGH street insurer is offering timely advice on how to minimise flood damage.

This December will mark the third anniversary of Storm Desmond, which wreaked havoc on homes and businesses across South Lakeland.

According to the Association of British Insurers, almost 15,000 claims were made during the floods of winter 2015-2016 and emergency payments worth more than £24 million were made.

Mike McGrail, senior product manager at Swinton Group, has these tips to protect your home and its contents:

l Move valuable possessions, especially electrical items, upstairs and do the same with furniture wherever possible.

l Use sandbags to block potential water entry points like ground-floor doors and garden gates. You can usually obtain these from your local council.

l Take down any low-hanging curtains, or fold them over the rail to keep them away from the water.

l If water does enter your home, drains can stop flowing which means sewage could make its way back up into your sinks, toilets and bath. Put plugs in where you can and use something weighty to keep them in place.

l Try to stay away from flood water as it may be contaminated. If you do come into contact with it, thoroughly wash your hands with clean water as soon as possible.

l Be aware flood water can also sometimes contaminate drinking water, so avoid using it until you’re advised it is safe.

l Finally, check your insurance documents are somewhere safe and easily accessible. If need be, make a digital copy or pass them to a friend or neighbour.