What is the impact of flooding?

It seems that each year, when a new and violent storm with an exotic name batters our shores, there is more flooding and disruption than the previous year.

If your home or business is flooded it can be very disruptive and upsetting. It can also be expensive and take a long time to repair. In some cases, residents have only just finished repairing their homes after a flood, when a new flood has occurred and caused the same damage all over again.

Unfortunately, there are some properties which probably cannot be protected from flooding. Those historic properties that are built on the banks of rivers, or housing developments constructed on historic floodplains for example.

However, there are those homes and businesses who can plan ahead and do a lot to minimise the damage and disruption that flooding can cause.

You may not be able to completely protect your home or business against flooding, but there is a lot you can do to reduce:

• the amount of flood water that gets in,
• the damage from flood water,
• the time and cost of cleaning up after a flood.

Some changes are simple and temporary while other changes can involve permanent structural work.

Find out ahead of time if you are at risk of flooding

It is important to check, and be aware of, what the level of flood risk is in your area. Flooding can occur and affect you even if you don’t live or work near a river, reservoir, or the sea.

You can sign up for flood alerts and check what the flood risk is at https://www.gov.uk/check-flooding

Check your insurance policies

It is important to check your insurance policies to find out if you are covered in the event of a flood. Your building insurance and your home content insurance may not cover ‘acts of god,’ in which flooding sometimes sits. All properties situated in developments where Premier Estates arranges the buildings insurance will be comprehensively insured against damage caused to the buildings by a flood, including alternative accommodation if your home is rendered uninhabitable due to flooding. However you should check any insurances that are not arranged by Premier Estates, e.g. insurance of your own contents.

If you own a business property, you should also check your business interruption insurance to ensure you are covered in case you cannot cover your business responsibilities and liabilities because of a flood.

Planning ahead

If you are in a property that is susceptible to flooding, then it would be a great idea to plan ahead.

• Get to know how to turn off your gas, electricity, and water supplies.
• Keep a list of useful telephone numbers you might need in an emergency. These can include: Premier Estates, family, fire service, local police, neighbours, someone who is willing to take in your pets if you have any.
• Create an emergency flood kit containing essentials such as medication, clothes, pet supplies.
• Make a household plan to safeguard your important documents and items.

Find out which parts of your property are weak points and susceptible to letting in water

In any building there are a number of weak points where water can get in.

Doors and windows are the obvious areas and you should also look for gaps in flooring, holes in walls, and air bricks.

If your property has an external cellar door or hatch, then this also offers easy access for flood water.

What is less obvious, is water gaining entry to your building via drains and pipes. The extreme pressure caused by flood water can, in some cases, cause a reverse flow of water. This can ,mean water getting in via sinks, toilets, washing machines, and other appliances that are connected to water pipes.

What can you do to minimise the damage caused by flood water?

There are a number of ways in which you can minimise the damage caused by a flood, as recommended by The Environment Agency.

• Place your valuable or irreplaceable items (such as heirlooms and sentimental pieces) on high-mounted shelving.
• Riase electrical items to a similar height. Mount TVs and stereos on wall brackets.
• Have your floor-level socket, fuse boxes, and wiring raised to at least 1.5m (5ft) above floor level.
• If your property is situated on the ground floor, use tiled flooring and rugs rather than fitted carpets. The rugs can then be lifted ahead of a flood and saved, while the tiled floors are easier to clean after a flood.
• Replace any furniture made from chipboard with better quality furniture which is made from solid wood, plastic, or stainless steel. When chipboard gets wet, it is typically damaged beyond repair, whereas better quality materials will dry and usually be fine afterwards.

Where can you access more information about preparing and recovering from flooding?

There is national support available online at:

• Visit The Gov.uk flood alerts and warnings service – You can also call: 0345 988 1188, or text to: 0345 602 6340.
• Click on The National Flood Forum – Or call: 01299 403055

Premier Estates provide award-winning property management services across the UK. If you would like to speak to one of our team about managing your property portfolio, please call 0345 491 8899.

Sources:

• https://www.gov.uk/guidance/adapting-your-home-or-business-to-the-risk-of-flooding
• https://www.gov.uk/government/news/environment-agency-publishes-major-update-to-national-flood-and-coastal-erosion-risk-assessment
• https://www.rbkc.gov.uk/sites/default/files/media/documents/What%20to%20do%20before%20during%20and%20after%20a%20flood.pdf
• https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/science-environment-20497598
• https://check-for-flooding.service.gov.uk/alerts-and-warnings
• https://nationalfloodforum.org.uk/
• https://www.ncha.org.uk/flooding/