melt in the weather report of "snow" the speech should not only the residents of particularly vulnerable to floods, such as the Rhine, Elbe or Danube, sit up and take notice: the small, tranquil babbling brook behind the house can be transformed in a raging torrent. Then the home office Got and Well go in the worst case, down the proverbial Creek. Therefore, the house owner should take measures early on to your property against flood risks.

Regular insurance check

Already at the end of the residential building and home contents insurance should be taken to ensure that the device has "Other natural hazards" is included. This so-called natural hazard insurance attacks in addition to Flooding, even in heavy rain, and a backwater, moreover, in the case of earthquake, Subsidence, landslide, snow pressure. The house owner should be aware of in addition to a sufficient amount of insurance. Otherwise, you may remain on Pro-rata costs.

When the snow begins to melt, or particularly long-lasting rain begins to fall, it is important for particular water bodies to keep an eye on. The house owner should then follow in the local radio reported levels carefully. In more detail, the high-water portal of the Federal States: www.hochwasserzentralen.de informed. In addition, the official water level and high water information App "on My level" for a number of Federal States such as Baden-Württemberg, Bavaria, Hesse and North Rhine-Westphalia, information on current water Levels. About the author

Peter Schnitzler (Born in 1979) is an expert on liability, Household contents and residential buildings insurance. The studied musician and economist, has been working since 2010 for the ERGO Group.

- protection measures before the flood

If it is critical, may need to be preparing for the worst taken: Fill in masses of water, the sewer system, protect with foil-wrapped sand bags, water-resistant lining boards and sheets of plywood of the own house. Offer protection to technical measures, such as a mobile barrier systems for doors or window-flaps. This helps especially in flood-prone areas. Also advisable: on a Regular basis the backlog of backups of the sewage pipes of the building checked by a professional. These Backups are leaking or not functioning properly, waste-water intrusion into the building.

the high water, to outsource should residents moving and valuable items such as furniture, televisions, or other electronic devices from hazardous areas. It is also important to take all electronic devices, including the heater from the power supply. Otherwise, it can come in the water to a short circuit, which can be later on Entering and Clearing out the area dangerous to life. If you want to go to places the backup switch for the whole house. Another tip: Toxic substances such as cleaning materials or plant poisons in secure rooms. Dangerous goods such as fuel oil tanks are heavy, large masses of water, you can bring in easily for a Swim. The Tanks should be secured with solid straps or steel bands.

After the flood

Important: Who is affected by high water, and should inform their insurance companies as quickly as possible – even if the full damage is yet in sight. Further action, for example, the documentation and damage assessment, will be able to clarify the Affected then contact the insurance. The actual extent of the damage for the layperson often not even recognizable. Water is penetrated into the living rooms, it can damage the fabric of the building. Moisture builds up and then often in the floor structure. Then it is not enough to remove wet carpets and to wipe the wet tiles dry. In case of doubt, the Affected should consult a building expert to Rate. In addition, residents returning after an evacuation, in their homes should deal gently with the electrical systems and equipment.