The next step

Sample flood plan

[Miscellaneous]

http www environment agency gov uk homeandleisure floods

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Heightened risk of flooding this winter

All too familiar

Ten to 15 years ago, flooding wasn’t something that often concerned homeowners and businesses. However, according to the EA, in the last year alone over 7,000 properties were flooded. Unfortunately, this is something that is set to continue.

More to come

According to the Met Office, current weather trends indicate that this year could actually be worse than recent ones due to the recent persistent wet and windy weather that’s affected much of the country. Much of the ground is waterlogged and drains and culverts are blocked with leaves and debris so rainwater is left with nowhere to go.

Time of the year

The Met Office has stated that during early winter Atlantic depressions are typically more intense and frequent. Additionally there is the possibility of gale force winds, exceptionally high tides, large waves and coastal surges.

When put together, it’s not hard to see why the Met Office and the EA are urging businesses and homeowners to be prepared.

The insurers’ perspective

Our insurance industry insider has told us that insurers are investing very heavily in flood maps. They are using this data to identify which of their insured properties are at a reasonable risk of being flooded and are adjusting premiums accordingly.

Tip. Not all insurers are on the ball. At present, if you’re facing premium hikes a decent broker should be able to find an insurance deal which hasn’t been increased because of the flood risks.

However, before signing up, make sure that there are no exclusions buried in the small print. Again, your broker should be able to help you.

What to do?

Both the EA and insurers have commented that many businesses think they’re not at risk of being flooded when the truth is quite different.

Tip 1. Even if you don’t think that your property could be flooded, the safest option is to complete a flood plan (see The next step ).

Tip 2. Use the free maps and tools available on the EA’s website to identify whether there’s a reasonable risk of your property being flooded (see The next step ).

Tip 3. Once you’re armed with this information, you can identify what steps you need to take.

Precautions you may need to consider include: (1)  improving door seals; (2) applying water-proofing sealant to exterior walls; (3) fitting non-return valves to drains and water inlet and outlet pipes; and (4) sealing floors or replacing wooden floorboards with concrete including a damp-proof membrane.

For a sample flood plan (EN 08.06.03A) and for a link to the EA’s website (EN 08.06.03B), visit http://tipsandadvice-environment.co.uk/download .