Jump to main content

Advice and practical tips for protecting against flood damage

The Environment Agency estimates that there are over 5 million people in England and Wales who live and work in properties that are at risk of flooding. SEPA (Scottish Environment Protection Agency) estimates that 100,000 homes and businesses in Scotland are at flood risk from river or coastal flooding.

However, floods can happen anywhere and at anytime. You do not need to live beside the sea or river to be affected. Flooding can be caused by rising ground water levels, burst water drains or hillside run-off from sudden rain pours. Surface water flooding has increased over recent years. ThisIn the summer of 2007 most of the flooding was the result of excess surface water, rather than rivers breaking their banks. occurs when heavy rainfall overwhelms the drainage capacity of the local area.

It is difficult to predict most flood events but there are steps you can take to reduce the likelihood of loss or injury if an incident occurs.

Practical precautions

▲ Flood risk assessment

A flood risk assessment is as important as a fire risk assessment. Making your home more flood resistant doesn’t guarantee that flood water won’t get in, but it can help to limit the damage. We recommend that policyholders get advice on carrying out a flood risk assessment from the Environment Agency (www.environment-agency.gov.uk). Or, you can commission a reputable consultant to conduct this for you (www.floodguards.com).

▲ Sign up to Floodline Warnings Direct

Floodline Warnings Direct is a free service that provides flood warnings by telephone, mobile, email, SMS text message and fax. To sign up call Floodline on 0845 988 1188 or go to the Environment Agency website

▲ Check your property to help prevent leaks and burst pipes

Regularly check roofs, gutters, downpipes, drains and water storage tanks, so that any damage that might lead to leaks can be detected early and repaired.

In addition, it is sensible to install water leak detectors. These can be fitted in minutes. They will:

Monitor your water supply 24 hours a day, allowing you to control your water use
Warn of leaks, overflows, waste and high use
Switch off the water supply if a warning is ignored, helping to prevent property damage.

▲ Preventing water from entering buildings (in a low level flooding

incident)

Fit non-return valves in waste pipes and outlets. These are fitted to wastewater pipes to prevent wastewater from flowing into the property during a flood.
Raise door thresholds. Where low-level flooding is expected, a raised door threshold or raised damp-proof course of brickwork may be sufficient to prevent water from getting in.
Build flood-resistant fences and gates, or put barriers around your property. Landscape gardens and reshape drives and external areas to divert flood water away from your property.
Choose finishes which help protect walls from flood damage. For example, different surface or render finishes may minimise potential damage.
A special draining system for cavity walls or a pump to prevent water leaking inside can be fitted.

▲ Raise valuable items off the floor

If your home is at risk of flooding or water seepage, it is naturally sensible to raise items stored in basements – and valuables at ground level – off the floor wherever possible.

▲ Create an emergency numbers list

Keep a list of emergency numbers close to the phone, or stored in your landline or mobile’s memory. Store your insurance company’s number and your policy number too.

▲ Put together an emergency flood kit

Make up a simple flood kit and ensure everyone knows where to find it. The kit should consist of a torch, warm/waterproof clothes, a battery or wind-up radio, rubber gloves, wellington boots, a first aid kit and blankets.

▲ Be prepared

Ensure you know where to turn off your gas and electricity supplies – and that you can find them in the dark! Also establish where you might obtain sandbags

(to block doors and airbricks) at short notice.

▲ Develop an evacuation plan

If you have to evacuate, precious time can be saved if you have already devised a plan.
Do you have somewhere to go, and how will you get there, bearing in mind that some roads might be blocked by the flood?
If you have elderly or disabled family members in the house, how will you evacuate them safely?
Make a list of children’s and personal essentials that you will need.
Consider which of your possessions are most valuable to you - not just the expensive items, but also the things that money can’t replace, such as photo albums and family heirlooms.
Identify a place where you can safely move your car if you have time.
Don’t forget your pets. If you are evacuated where can they go if you can’t keep them with you?
Practice your flood plan. Make sure that everyone you are responsible for knows what has to be done.

You can also seek advice from the Environment Agency or SEPA in Scotland www.sepa.org.uk