Flood risk protection
For properties which may be at risk of flooding, the National Flood Forum’s Property Protection Advisor provides advice how to protect your property and the typical costs involved. You will be able to buy sandbags from your local builder’s merchant or DIY store. The National Flood Forum lists suppliers and manufacturers of flood defence products.
There are several ways you can prepare and protect your property before flooding occurs:
- Non-return valves on drainage pipes
- Flood barriers on doors
- Waterproof lime plaster rather than gypsum plaster
- Waterproof flooring
- Aperture protection
- Self-closing airbricks
- Raising appliances and plug sockets higher up on walls
More permanent resistance products and methods can be viewed on the Homeowners guide to property flood resilience from Flood Guidance.
Where possible, you should avoid paving over your garden. The use of impermeable materials leads to increased surface water runoff, which can increase the risks of flooding inside or nearby your property.
Check your insurance cover and confirm you are covered for flooding. The Association of British Insurers (ABI) is a useful guide to flood insurance for homes and businesses. There is further insurance advice provided by the National Flood Forum.
Please also see the Council's web page on flooding, which includes advice for residents on addressing flood risks.
