Dirty water, ruined possessions and a hefty insurance claim…flooding can be devastating. It poses a risk to life, property and vehicles – and it can be highly traumatic. Flooding can force people out of their homes, often for months, whilst repairs are done. In a recent survey people listed their wedding dress, photos and travel souvenirs as just some of the many things they’d hate to lose.
More than five million people in England and Wales live and work in properties that are at risk of flooding from rivers or the sea. The Environment Agency works with a wide range of groups to reduce the risk of flooding and its impact on people, households and businesses. In the past three years, new flood defence schemes have protected 182,000 more households: every £1 spent on protecting communities saves £8 in repairing damage. We are working closely with councils, vulnerable groups, businesses and communities to raise awareness, and build more schemes, particularly through partnership funding.
Some people are more vulnerable to flooding than others and they could suffer greater loss and devastation from a flood. This means that they may be less able to recover from the impact on their health, quality of life and wellbeing. But there are some simple steps which can help everyone.
You can check your flood risk and sign-up for free flood warnings. Floodline Warnings Direct is the Environment Agency’s free service that provides flood warnings by phone, text or email – look on our website or call Floodline on 0845 988 1188 to register. If you’re a carer, friend or family member then you can sign-up to receive warnings on behalf of someone else.
Plus, you can complete a simple flood plan. It only takes ten minutes to complete your personal flood plan and doing this in advance will save you valuable time and reduce damage if you’re flooded.
It’s also a good idea to consider who can help you should your area be affected by flooding and to find out if there are flood wardens working in your area or if a community flood group has been set up. Community based flood action groups work on behalf of the wider community to help them prepare for and take action during a flood. The National Flood Forum will be able to offer you further advice on this www.nationalfloodforum.org.uk.
There are also some further practical steps that can be taken to help protect your home. Irreplaceable or valuable items should be kept on high-mounted shelves, equipment like your TV should ideally be fixed to the wall and you should buy large sealable bags for protecting items. If you are getting some general repair work done to your home then a wide range of other options should also be considered. For example, it’s a good idea to lay tiles with rugs, rather than fitted carpets and to arrange for non-return valves to be fitted to drains and your toilet. Lots more tips here.
For more information on how to prepare for flood, what to do during a flood and how to repair your home afterwards please visit our website www.environment-agency.gov.uk