Reduces the damage and disruption caused by a flood
Reduces the time homeowners remain out of their home
Helps limit the cost of repairs following a flood by up to as much as 80%
It is more likely that a homeowner will continue to get property insurance
Some flood resilient measures do not cost much more than standard home repairs
There could be a positive effect on the terms of a homeowner's insurance
A sound investment for the future
Most flood-resilient measures can be carried out by a standard builder
You don't need to wait until the property is flooded to make the modifications
Increased peace
of mind
If you've been affected by flooding you will know the devastation and disruption it can cause to your home and your family.
Over 5 million people in England and Wales and 100,000 in Scotland* live or work in areas at risk from coastal or river flooding. Many more are at risk of flash flooding caused by torrential downpours.
And the risk is increasing; climate change and the pressure to build more new homes, often on flood plains, will only contribute to the problem.
For the homeowner not only do they have the trauma of seeing treasured possessions damaged and lost, they may also be unable to return to their home for many months.
But while you can never fully protect a home, at risk of flooding, from being deluged there are measures that can be put in place that can minimise the damage and speed up the repair time.
This website aims to demonstrate why flood resilient measures are a good idea for anyone concerned about future flooding and to provide useful information about the various techniques available.
You should also establish whether you live or work in an area at risk of flooding. Visit the Environment Agency website www.environment-agency.gov.uk/floodline. Your local authority should also be able to advise you on your risk of surface water flooding - which was the major factor in the floods of 2007.
If you are at risk make sure you are prepared; sign up for the Environment Agency's Floodline Warnings Direct service and prepare a flood plan. Go to the above website for more information.
Being prepared not only helps reduce the damage to your property, it can also save lives.
* Source - Environment Agency 2009 and Scottish Environment Protection Agency 2009.
