The National Flood School [http://www.nationalfloodschool.co.uk/]'s Practical Water Damage Awareness Day - which puts insurance claims handlers in a real flood situation - has been re-accredited by the Chartered Insurance Institute.

The one day course has been awarded CII Continuing Professional Development Accreditation.

Held at The National Flood School's headquarters in Farnham, Surrey, the course combines classroom-based training along with a real life experience of water damage and restoration in the school's innovative Flood House [http://www.nationalfloodschool.co.uk/flood_house.htm].

Believed to be the only purpose-built floodable house in Europe, The Flood House - situated next to The National Flood School's training centre - comprises of eight rooms and 60 common household materials.

It is flushed with 1500 gallons of water as part of the course, to give a realistic insight into the difficulties policyholders face if their property floods.

The course also gives claims handlers an insight into restoration techniques - and increases their knowledge through first hand experience, thereby providing the insurer with a competitive advantage through service differentiation.

Jeremy Mullen, Accreditation Services Consultant for the Chartered Insurance Institute, said: "The variety of training methods used makes the training programme an engaging and valuable learning experience for all participants.

"The trainer accommodates a variety of learning preferences by using visual, practical and classroom based learning, which reflects best practice in a learning environment.

"The CII is pleased to recognise the excellent training provided by The National Flood School; the quality and professionalism of the training, and of those involved in the accredited programme, are to be congratulated."

Videos about the National Flood School and the Flood House can be seen at the National Flood School's own YouTube channel http://www.youtube.com/nationalfloodschool

ENDS

Notes To Editors

About the CII

The CII is the world's leading professional organisation for insurance and financial services. Its 95,000 members are committed to maintaining the highest standards of technical competence and ethical conduct.

A robust framework of learning and development solutions enables the CII to support corporate partners and individuals across the industry. It ensures that all members comply with minimum standards and inspires many more to achieve advanced levels of technical and professional competence.

About the National Flood School

Based in Farnham, Surrey, The National Flood School shares its expertise to support and train restoration professionals and provides information and support for many other associated industries, including insurers and loss adjusters.
Founded in 1988, it is recognised across the UK and Europe as a leader in the research, development, testing and education of a wide-range of techniques and systems to enhance the restoration of property damaged by flood and fire.

The National Flood School also writes and maintains the BSI Code of Practice for Professional Water Damage Mitigation (PAS 64).
The organisation has three specific divisions; training, consultancy and research and development.