Thames Water Flooding - 10 January 2007
From NRVRA
This page has been put up to inform residents of everything they need to know about the recent flooding in New River Village. If there is anything not on this page that you would like to know, please head on over to the Forum. We Will be updating this page periodically, but most of the new information will be on the forum first.
Contents |
Flooding at New River Village
There was a major flood Wednesday 10th January 2007, which has affected the Emerson, Hudson, Danube, Colorado, Judd and Gaudi buildings. I have posted the information that Rendall and Rittner was giving out about insurance and alternative accommodation on the forum. If you are claiming insurance remember to keep all receipts.
For NRV you can get in contact with people on these phone numbers:
Youssef - Building Manager: 020 8341 6725 Angela Petts - R&R Property Manager. 07800 628907 (this is a dedicated number to be used to discuss this matter only) Rachael Gibbs - R&R Insurance Claim Assistant: 0207 481 6996
If you missed the actual event the Hornsey Journal and the BBC and The Evening Standard and the Crouch End Times have articles with photos.
Flooding Council Tax Exemption
Apparently if you were evacuated from your flat due to it being uninhabitable, then you are exempt from council tax. To get this exemption you need to contact:
Mr E Zorlakki-Enquiry Officer Emilio.Zorlakki@haringey.gov.uk Tel:0208-489-3516 or 07980-316860
You need to give him details of which flat you were in, where you are staying now, and - if possible - email him a copy of your letter from your management company saying how long you will be out for.
Thanks to Jules for the information!
12th January 2007
Following the Thames Water main burst on Wednesday 10th January, we are aware that lessees and residents have incurred various out of pocket expenses and damage to their property. The positive message we wish to convey at the outset is that these losses will be covered by insurance. However the procedure for making a claim to recover your loss varies depending upon the nature of the loss, the type of property that has been damaged and the location of your flat. Four principal types of loss have arisen:
- Out of pocket expenses arising from evacuation to short term accommodation and other incidental costs (hotel bills, food, drink etc.).
- Damage to the fabric of flats (walls, floors, skirtings, doors and decorative finishes).
- Damage to the contents of flats (carpets, furniture, clothing, other personal possessions).
- Damage to vehicles.
The procedure for claiming these losses back varies depending upon the location of your flat as different insurance companies are involved with different parts of the scheme.
There is a table of contact details provided at the end of this note.
Out of pocket expenses arising from evacuation etc.
Thames Water’s insurance covers this type of loss. It does not extend to hotel meals but reasonable costs for food and drink will be met because it is recognised that displaced persons cannot cook for themselves as they ordinarily would do. This cost will not cover claims for the consumption of non-essential items such as alcohol etc.
To make a claim of this type please contact Douglas Jackson using the details provided.
Damage to the fabric of flats – Emerson and Hudson Apartments
For Emerson and Hudson Apartments, this loss is being recovered in the first instance via the relevant buildings insurance company, represented by their appointed Loss Adjuster. Rendall and Rittner Limited are co-ordinating these claims on behalf of the insured party, St. James. In order to ensure that repairs are completed to a high standard, Rendall and Rittner Limited have appointed a chartered building surveyor, Mr. Chris Anam, to specify and supervise repairs.
To make a claim, please contact Rendall and Rittner Limited’s dedicated claims line or send an e-mail to nrvclaims@rendallandrittner.co.uk. Rendall and Rittner Limited will issue a claim form to you. You need to complete it promptly and return it to Rendall and Rittner Ltd who will submit it to insurers, and you will then be visited by Chris Anam and the Loss Adjuster who will agree the extent of the damage and the repairs required. The repairs will be supervised from then on by Chris Anam.
Damage to the fabric of Flats – Colorado, Danube, Judd Apartments
To be confirmed by Circle 33/MHT/Tamil HA as appropriate
Damage to the Contents of flats – All properties
Losses arising from damage to the contents of flats are covered either by individual lessees’ insurers, or by the insurers for Thames Water, represented by their loss adjusters Douglas Jackson. We are aware that not all lessees or residents have contents insurance. However if you do have contents insurance then you are strongly advised to place your insurers on notice and consider a claim because the terms of cover may be more beneficial under your own policy than those available to you from Thames Water’s insurance company.
If you do not have contents insurance and have suffered damage to the contents of your flat then you may make a claim by contacting Douglas Jackson who will send one of their team to see you and handle the claim from then on.
Damage to vehicles
If you have suffered damage to your car or motorbike, you are advised to place your insurer on notice. However, you may also make a claim directly by contacting Douglas Jackson using the details provided who will respond on behalf of Thames Water.
We understand that if you have fully comprehensive insurance cover, then this will allow you to hire a car for a period of time. If you only have third party, fire and theft, then you should contact Douglas Jackson as they may be able to agree the provision of a hire car for you.
Summary
| LOSS | ACTION |
|---|---|
| Out of pocket expenses from evacuation and other incidental costs (hotel bills, freezer food, subsistence) | Contact Douglas Jackson, loss adjusters for Thames Water on 0207 407 5599. |
| Damage to Contents of flat | Place own insurers on notice if personal cover in place, otherwise Contact Douglas Jackson, loss adjusters for Thames Water on 0207 407 5599. |
| Damage to Vehicle | Place own insurers on notice. If hire car is needed and no cover exists for this under personal policy, Contact Douglas Jackson, loss adjusters for Thames Water on 0207 407 5599. |
| Damage to Flat | Contact Rendall and Rittner Limited, to notify claim using. nrvclaims@rendallandrittner.co.uk (operational midday 13th January) or 0207 481 6996 (direct). Chris Anam to inspect damage and administer repair on behalf of insured. 0208 360 1020 chris@canam-group.com |
Rachael Gibbs from Rendall and Rittner will be in the Sales & Marketing Office tomorrow (Monday) to deal with insurance claim enquiries. Any receipts relating to expenses incurred should be passed to Rachael in her capacity as Insurance Claims Assistant at Rendall and Rittner.
Friday 12th January 2007
From: Thames Water, St James Group, Rendall & Rittner, Circle 33 Housing Trust, Metropolitan Housing Trust, Tamil Housing and London Borough of Haringey
Following the Thames Water mains burst on Wednesday afternoon, good progress has been made in relation to the reconnection of electric, water and the foul drainage.
In simple terms, the majority of lower ground floor and some ground floor flats have had some water ingress to varying degrees. Some of this damage will be major, requiring extensive repair, whilst some will be minor, requiring drying out and minor re-decoration.
The current situation, on a building by building basis, is as follows:-
Blake/Amazon
These blocks remain unaffected.
Emerson/Hudson
All services to these blocks have been reconnected. If you left your key with the concierge it is likely that your electrics have been checked, approved and the power switched on. If you haven’t left your keys you will need to visit the Marketing Suite to arrange access with an electrician.
Colorado/Judd
All services to this block have been reconnected. Please arrange for your keys to be given to your representative from Circle 33 Housing Trust so that an electrician can gain access to turn on the electricity to your home.
Danube/Gaudi
All services to this block have now been reconnected. Please arrange for your keys to be given to your representatives from Metropolitan and Tamil Housing so that an electrician can gain access to turn on the electricity to your home.
There remain on-going health and safety issues relating to some communal areas, the basement car park, which is being cleaned up today and the lifts, which will not be in operation until the end of next week.
A list of streets where parking restrictions are lifted are available in the Sales & Marketing Suite.
If your property has had extensive damage, the following support is available inside the Sales & Marketing Suite:-
Alternative accommodation can be organised by your landlord/local council for housing association residents. For private residents, please continue to make your own arrangements, you will be reimbursed through Douglas Jackson, Thames Water’s loss adjusters. All reasonable expenses (food, drink, etc.) will continue to be reimbursed by Douglas Jackson, Thames Water’s loss adjusters. Please keep your receipts.
Whilst many of you will be able to return to your homes this evening, those of you that can’t will naturally be frustrated. We will, however, continue to do everything possible to ensure that this is resolved quickly. A further update will be provided at 2.00pm today, Friday 12th January. Meanwhile, you can contact:-
St. James Marketing Suite 0208 347 4139 Circle 33 Housing Trust 0845 769 7695 Thames Water 0845 9200 800 (please quote ref BB 744492) Metropolitan Housing Trust 0845 0707711 Tamil Housing Association 07930 923829 Rendall and Rittner 0208 341 6725 (concierge in the Amazon Building) Rendall and Rittner 07800 628 907 (Angela Petts)
Representatives will be available in the Marketing Suite until 7.00pm tonight. In the event of an emergency, please contact Haringey on 0208 348 3148.
Please accept our sincere apologies for any continued inconvenience, we assure you that we are doing everything in our power to ensure a swift return to your home.
To all residents who are staying in their property
Please be advised that if you have decided to stay in your property, then you are doing so at your own risk - as advised by the emergency services on 10th January.
The sewerage systems are not yet functioning - therefore the water supply has been turned off and you should minimise waste water from sinks, basins, toilets, baths etc., as this will cause a further flood.
Bottled water is available from outside the Concierge located in the Amazon building.
Please also dispose of all food in your fridge and freezer as this food will have perished whilst the electricity supply was cut. This can be claimed through the Loss Adjusters.
For your information, we attach a copy of an information sheet prepared for all residents and you will see that we are strongly recommending that you find alternative accommodation until the sewage issue is resolved.
Important Information for All New River Residents
From: Thames Water, St James Group, Rendall & Rittner, Circle 33 Housing Trust, Metropolitan Housing Trust, Tamil Housing and London Borough of Haringey
You will be aware that two of Thames Water's water mains burst yesterday on the New River Village development. Thames Water immediately deployed all available resources to contain this situation and are now in the process of carrying out the repair.
Unfortunately, a number of properties have been flooded, which has resulted in damage to many properties and at this point we are unable to guarantee reconnection of electricity, water and foul drainage. There are also on-going health and safety issues relating to the basement car park, lifts and communal areas. Therefore, it will not be possible for you to return to your property tonight - 11th January, or collect your car until further notice as the basement area is still flooded.
We advise you to go to the Marketing Suite for up to date information and the following support is being provided:-
- Alternative accommodation can be organised by your landlord/local council for housing association residents. For private residents, please make your own arrangements, you will be reimbursed through Douglas Jackson, Thames Water's loss adjusters.
- All reasonable expenses (food, drink, etc.) will be reimbursed. Please keep your receipts.
- 24 hour security is being provided to safeguard your home.
We recommend that you contact your own Home and Contents Insurer who will then advise you on how they intend to handle your claim. Alternatively, you can submit a claim direct to Thames Water. You will still need to inform your own insurers, but the claim will be dealt with by Douglas Jackson & Co whom Thames Water has appointed to act as loss adjusters on their behalf. A Douglas Jackson representative will be on site for the next few days in the Marketing Suite who will be able to help you with your claim. Alternatively you can call them on 0207 407 5599.
The reason we advise you to contact your own insurer is that your insurance will usually be a "new for old" replacement policy whilst Thames Water's insurance takes into account the age and condition of damaged items. If you do not have your own insurance please discuss with Douglas Jackson direct.
We are aware that you will be frustrated that you cannot return to your homes this evening but we are doing everything possible to ensure this is resolved quickly. A further update will be provided at 12.00pm on Friday 12th January. Meanwhile, you can contact:-
St. James Marketing Suite 0208 347 4139 Circle 33 Housing Trust 0845 769 7695 Thames Water 0845 9200 800 (please quote ref BB 744492) Metropolitan Housing Trust 0845 0707711 Tamil Housing Association 07930 923829 Rendall and Rittner 0208 341 6725 (concierge in the Amazon Building) Rendall and Rittner 07800 628 907 (Angela Petts)
A representative will be available in the Marketing Suite until 11.00pm tonight. In an emergency, please contact Haringey on 0208 348 3148. The Marketing Suite will re-open at 7.30am on Friday morning (12th January).
Please be aware that once you do move back into your own home, your food in your fridge and freezer will need to be disposed of. This can be claimed back through Thames Loss Adjusters.
Please accept our sincere apologies for the inconvenience this will have caused you, and we can reassure you that we are doing everything in our power to ensure a swift return to your home.
To all residents who are staying in their property
Please be advised that if you have decided to stay in your property, then you are doing so at your own risk - as advised by the emergency services on 10th January.
The sewerage systems are not yet functioning - therefore the water supply has been turned off and you should minimise waste water from sinks, basins, toilets, baths etc., as this will cause a further flood.
Bottled water is available from outside the Concierge located in the Amazon building.
Please also dispose of all food in your fridge and freezer as this food will have perished whilst the electricity supply was cut. This can be claimed through the Loss Adjusters.
For your information, we attach a copy of an information sheet prepared for all residents and you will see that we are strongly recommending that you find alternative accommodation until the sewage issue is resolved.
