WIREDGOV

Three weeks after last month’s devastating Cumbria floods, the Environment Agency is urging owners of damaged properties to insist that insurers repair their homes and businesses to be more flood-resilient.

Properties affected by flooding are often simply returned to their previous state, meaning that similar damage is likely if flooding occurs in future. Repairing a property that has been flooded offers a chance to minimise the damage and disruption that could be caused by any future flood.

In many cases, resilient repairs may not cost any more than repairs carried out on a ‘like for like’ basis. Even if additional costs are incurred during the repairs, insurers and homeowners could both save money in the long term through reduced damage. Additionally, those in flood-resilient properties will be able to return to their homes faster.

There are a variety of simple measures that can be taken whilst repairing a property that make it easier and cheaper to clean up after flooding. These include:

• Laying ceramic tiles on the ground floor and using rugs instead of fitted carpets
• Raising the height of electrical sockets to at least 1.5 metres above ground floor level
• Using lime plaster instead of gypsum on walls
• Fitting stainless steel or plastic kitchens instead of chipboard ones or have movable free-standing kitchen units
• Fit non-return valves to all drains and water inlet pipes. Replace wooden window frames and doors with synthetic ones. They are easier to clean.

Robert Runcie, Environment Agency Director of Flood and Coastal Risk, said: “The effects of flooding can be devastating and our thoughts remain with those people whose homes were recently flooded in Cumbria and elsewhere in the country.

“We are working hard to reduce the risk of flooding to people and property, but climate change means that flood risk is likely to increase.

“1 in 6 homes are already at flood risk, so it is vital that homeowners look at ways of making their property more flood-proof. The Environment Agency is urging those who have been flooded to insist that their insurer rebuilds their home so that, should future flooding occur, damage is reduced and people can return to their homes more quickly.

“There is also a growing range of tested products for keeping flood water out of your property, which we would advise those at risk of flooding to consider, in addition to signing up to the Environment Agency’s free flood warning service on our website.”

For further information please contact Jason Wakeford or Ken Hunt at the Environment Agency National Press Office on 020 7863 8710 or pressoffice@environment-agency.gov.uk.

Notes to editors:

• There is a growing range of tested products for keeping flood water out of homes and businesses. The National Flood Forum’s recently launched “Blue Pages” at http://www.bluepages.org.uk/ has more information about these products.

What should people do to prepare for flooding?

• Check if you are in a flood risk area:
  Log on to our website at http://www.environment-agency.gov.uk/ and enter your postcode to see if your property is in an area at risk of flooding from rivers and the sea.

Essential information on what to do before, during and after a flood can be found at
http://www.environment-agency.gov.uk/homeandleisure/floods

Sign up to Floodline Warnings Direct:

Our free service provides flood warnings direct to homes at risk of sea or river flooding by telephone, mobile, email, SMS text message, fax or pager. As well as signing up for warnings, you can get simple advice on what to do before, during and after a flood. Call 0845 988 1188 to find out if you are at risk.

Make an emergency flood plan:

Flooding happens quickly and often when you least expect it. It's easy to lose each other at time like this. Preparing an emergency flood plan will help you through a serious situation. Creating the plan with your children, explaining what to do and even practising the plan will prepare them for the time when you may need it.

Check your insurance cover and confirm that you are covered for flooding.

Know how to turn off your gas, electricity and water mains supplies

Prepare a flood kit of essential items – this could include copies of insurance documents, a torch, a wind up or battery radio, warm waterproof clothing and blankets, prescription medication, bottled water and non-perishable foods, baby food and baby care items and important contact details. More information at

Keep a list with all your important contacts to hand.

Think about what you can move now - move items of personal value such as photo albums, family videos and treasured mementos to a safe place.

Flood-proof your home:
There are things you can do to your property that will make it easier and cheaper to clean up after a flood: Raise the height of electrical sockets to 1.5 metres above ground floor level. Use lime plaster instead of gypsum on walls. Fit stainless steel or plastic kitchens instead of chipboard ones. Position any main parts of a heating or ventilation system, like a boiler, upstairs. Fit non-return valves to all drains and water inlet pipes. Replace wooden window frames and doors with synthetic ones. More information can be found at http://www.environment-agency.gov.uk/homeandleisure/floods/105963.aspx

Use temporary flood protection equipment:
Flood protection equipment can help restrict flood water. Plastic covers to seal airbricks can stop flood water coming in through your airbricks. Sandbags may be provided by your local council or you can buy your own, or fill pillowcases and plastic bags with earth. Floodboards fix to frames around windows and doors. They can be washed, stored and used again.