How can you protect your home from flooding?

The UK is known to experience heavy rain fall throughout the year, which can put some homeowners at risk of flooding. In this guide, we share some tips to help you protect your property from flood damage.

Is your home in a flood risk area?

Around England there are 3,500 flood measuring stations in place, which can help you find out if a flood is likely in your area. To find out if your home is at risk, simply visit the government’s website and input your postcode. Those in high risk areas can then sign-up for flood alerts by phone, email, or text message.

Residents in Scotland can find local flood information through the Scottish Environment Protection Agency. While the Natural Resources Wales website has information for those who live in Wales.

If you know your area is prone to floods, then there are a few measures you can take to protect your home.

Steps you can take to flood proof your home

While you can’t stop floods from happening, there are a few things you can do to help limit the damage that occurs. This ranges from home improvements to practical actions you can take in the lead up to bad weather.

Sandbags

In the lead up to any forecasted flood, you might consider stocking up on sandbags. These can help keep water out for a short period of time, as well as prevent muddy sediment from getting into your property. These can be placed in doorways and drains, or used to weigh down garden furniture. However, they can be difficult to move when fully filled and must be put in place before any water hits. Therefore, this might not be a suitable defence measure for everyone.

Landscape your garden

If you have a garden, this can be designed to divert water away from your building. You can either do this yourself or use a qualified landscaper who has expertise in flood resistant planting. While this may not prevent flood damage on its own, it can still reduce the risk of water getting inside your home. It will take the pressure off your drains and allow more water to be absorbed into the ground - rather than pool on any paved surface.

Invest in flood gates

Flood gates are available for homeowners to purchase and install. They come in a range of designs and can blend easily with the exterior of your property. They work by creating an air-tight barrier against flood water, so can be very effective in preventing flood damage. However, they can be quite expensive, with prices starting at around £400.

Move valuables to a safe location

An easy way to limit flood damage is to ensure high value items are placed high up and away from any areas liable to let water in. This could either be the upstairs of your home, high up on a shelf, or even placed in a waterproof container. Try to keep your home insurance details safe if you have them printed out. You will need these to hand if you would like to make a claim in the future.

What to do during a flood

If you know a flood is coming, it can be helpful to have a flood plan in mind. These are actions you can take that will help limit both damage and mental indecision when a flood warning comes up.

Consider these steps for your own flood plan:

• Accommodation: is there somewhere you can stay that is unlikely to be affected by local flooding? This could be a friend or relative who is able to accommodate you at short notice.
• Pets: to limit their distress, you might consider moving your furry friends to either a kennel or pet minder on dry ground.
• Check your drains: if possible, check your drains* to make sure they’re free of debris and able to handle heavy rainfall.
• Move appliances and valuables: if you’ve not already stored your valuables and electricals somewhere high-up, then now is the time to do this, though only if they are unplugged and away from water. You can also take any important documents with you to any temporary accommodation.
• Park your car high-up: try to find a parking space for your car that will minimise its exposure to rising waters, such as on a hill or other high-ground area.

How to deal with a flooded house

If your home should become flooded, there are some steps you can take in the aftermath to stop more damage from occurring.

• Open all windows: this will allow humid air to escape the house, which will help prevent moist air from causing damage to non-affected areas, such as upstairs rooms
• Close doors to unaffected rooms: this too will help prevent damp from reaching other parts of your house.
• Garden debris: this should only be cleared away once the flood waters have receded.
• Remove carpets: when the water levels have gone down, lift up any damaged carpets. However, don’t throw them away as your insurer will need evidence of flood impact.

Reporting flood damage to your home insurance provider

While it’s impossible to stop floods from occurring, you can make sure you’re financially protected by getting the right home insurance in place. For peace of mind, you could consider taking out both buildings and contents insurance. This will cover you for both structural damage and help replace any damaged personal possessions.

In the aftermath of a flood, reach out to your provider to understand what evidence will need to be collected to make a claim. Those with home emergency cover might also be able to access professional help for their property, or have the cost of temporary accommodation reimbursed.

Summary

To recap, if your home is at risk of flooding, considering taking these important steps:

• Consider investing in some flood proofing home items, such as flood gates or sand bags.
• Keep valuable items away from areas in your home that might be liable to flood, either high on a shelf or in a waterproof container.
• If you know a flood is coming, consider arranging alternative accommodation and park your car high up.
• Make sure your home insurance offers enough cover and keep your policy details to hand, so you can contact your provider for more information and make a claim.

*Always be cautious when undertaking any DIY task that you aren’t familiar with, seek professional help where needed.