According to The Environment Agency, one in five properties in the UK are currently at risk of flooding, and this figure is likely to rise in line with the sea level as the climate changes and brings in more extreme weather conditions. Thankfully, damage from flooding is preventable if homeowners take a proactive approach rather than a remedial one. As such, here are the top preventative actions you should take against the threat of flooding:
Check flood warnings and risk
Homeowners can check if their area is high risk and sign up to receive flood warnings directly through email, home phone or mobile via the Gov.uk website. If you live in an area at risk of flooding, it’s imperative to utilise these services, as being aware of an impending flood will empower you to protect your home.
Plan ahead
In the event of your property flooding, you may not have the time or composure to come up with a good plan, so it’s important to establish one beforehand. Not only will a personal flood plan help you prepare for flooding, but it can also reduce the impact on your home, business or community, and increase your chances of a quick recovery process.
A personal flood plan should contain the names and phone numbers of all the necessary contacts, such as your gas and electricity providers, your local council, your insurance company and policy number, and any friends or relatives who may be able to help or may need help from you. You can download a flood plan template from your local flood agency, or you could create your own using the following list:
- A list of useful contact numbers
- Directions on how to shut off your electricity or gas supply
- A designated safe place to move your valuable belongings
- The primary things that you will need to move to safety first i.e., your pets and car
- Vulnerable friends or neighbours who may need your help
- Friends or neighbours who might be able to help you
Get insured
Insurance is essential for homes in flood risk locations, but you should always check before taking out a package that it provides thorough and worthwhile coverage.
Protect your property
Flood equipment might not be the most attractive home enhancement, but as mentioned previously, if you are attuned to when a flood is likely to happen, you can erect and dismantle flood equipment accordingly, so there is no need to keep it up at all times. To reduce flood damage, you can stock up on flood protection products such as:
- Sandbags
- Fence flood-barriers
- Absorbent polymer pads
- Barrier strips for doors
- Floodboards
- Plastic covers to seal airbricks
Home improvements for flood prevention
There are a number of enhancements you can make to your home to protect it against flooding and lower the impact of flood damage. The upfront cost for any of these improvements is far outweighed by the cost of potential water damage, and therefore they make a worthwhile investment. Types of home improvements could include:
- Provide permeable paving surfaces on driveways and pathways
- Set up an easy-access store in your garage for flood barriers and sandbags
- Replace the bottom two steps on the staircase with concrete
- Install a pump to remove water and fit non-return valves to all drains and water inlet pipes as these will only let water flow one way
- Place white goods on raised plinths
- Opt for ceramic tiles where possible on the ground floor with waterproof adhesive, and consider using rugs instead of fitting carpets
- Keep valuables and electric goods elevated or upstairs and mount televisions to walls
- Raise the height of the electrical sockets to 1.5m above ground floor level or higher
If you’re looking for more homeownership advice, contact us today.
