Why Should You Consider Your Flood Risk

29/10/2015 The Environment Agency estimate that around 5.5 million properties in England and Wales are at risk of flooding in England and Wales. Those who have been flooded previously will tell you that the cost of a flood can be felt emotionally, physically and financially. However, despite this ever increasing threat, a YouGov survey conducted in February 2015 found that only one in three people were aware of whether their property was in a flood risk area. 

Many people falsely presume that, should the worst happen, the Government will help to protect their property or that their insurance will cover any damage. As Mary Dhonau, Chief Executive of the Know Your Flood Risk campaign explains: 

“Many of us happily invest in smoke alarms and security locks to protect ourselves against fires or thefts, but if you live in a floodplain you’re far more likely to be flooded than have your house lost in a fire. 

We don’t stop to think about investing in flood prevention as we believe that the Government should protect us, or our insurance will cover it. The sad truth is that with so many of us at risk of being flooded, there just isn’t enough Government money to protect everyone and your insurance cover might not pick up the bill” 

How to Be Flood Ready

If you know that you live in a floodplain or in a high risk area, it pays to be prepared. Here are three pieces of advice that we would offer: 

The first thing we would say is to never rely on sandbags. Even the Environment Agency admits that, whilst they may filter out some of the muddy sediment, a sandbag is relatively ineffective when compared to the performance of purpose build property level flood protection - as you can see in the image below.

Secondly, make sure you are signed up to receive flood warnings. The Environment Agency's Floodline Warnings Direct Service is completely free and will provide you with a warning via phone, text or email in the event that flooding may be imminent. These warnings will give you enough time to prepare. 

Finally, familiarise yourself with the ten pieces of flood avoidance guidance offered by the Know Your Flood Risk campaign. In the event of a flood warning it advises that: 

• You listen out for up-to-date flood information via TV, radio and online. 
  
• Charge your mobile and tablet devices upstairs, in case you lose power. 
  
• Where possible, move your car to higher ground. 
  
• Move pets and valuables upstairs or to an alternative location. 
  
• Alert elderly and vulnerable neighbours 
  
• Put property level flood protection products in place. 
  
• Ensure the plug is placed in all sinks and baths. 
  
• Turn off your gas and electricity, transferring any electrical equipment upstairs where possible. 
  
• Cooperate with all requests made by the emergency services. 
  
• Try to be as organised as possible during the day, it will be considerably more difficult in the dark.

If you would like more information about our range of flood barriers, do not hesitate to contact us. You can call us on +44 (0) 1603 879977 or drop us an email to info@floodark.com.