Over the last couple of years, flooding has caused chaos across the UK, damaging houses and ruining local communities.

With around five and a half million homes still deemed to be at risk of flooding - despite efforts to improve and strengthen community flood defence schemes - many places still remain vulnerable.

And with the environment agency acknowledging that it is impossible to completely flood-proof a property, many people are still worrying over what might happen this autumn and winter.

Here at JT Atkinson, we want to ensure you have everything you need to at least keep a flood under control - even if you can't stop it completely, so we’ve come up with some handy tips and advice to help you.

  1. What products can I use to help reduce the risk of flooding at my property?

We offer a wide range of flood defence products that will help reduce the risk of water entering your property.

From barriers and door panels to sandbags and vent guards, we’ve got it covered.

Do be aware though that defences can, in some circumstances, only do so much. If you live in a location that is at high risk of flooding, it's advisable to move all furniture and belongings upstairs anyway.

  1. Which areas are most at risk?

There are a number of routes in which floodwater can enter a property.

As well as coming through doors and patios, water can find its way in through air bricks on exposed walls and through gaps in the floor.

Another way is via through drains and pipes as the pressure created by flooding can reverse the flow, causing water to back-up and enter a home through sinks, toilets, washing machines etc.

3. What can I do to limit the amount of water entering my property?

Again, the Environment Agency lists various ways in which you can protect your property.

These are ‘flood resistance’ measures and making a building ‘flood resilient. With the former referring to ‘the prevention of water entering a property in the first place’.

Purpose designed flood defences are a lot better than sandbags (as sand bags will eventually allow water to seep through), but both can help reduce flooding significantly.

As well as fitting flood protection measures to your home, another measure is landscaping your garden in a way that helps divert water away from your property.

What can I do to limit the damage caused by flood water?

If your home has been flooded, it's about looking to the future to ensure you reduce the risk of damage if it happens again.

Here’s a few tips for you:

  1. Raise electrical sockets, fuse boxes and wiring at least 5 ft above floor level
  2. In kitchens and bathrooms, use water-resistant materials, such as stainless steel, plastic or solid wood rather than chipboard
  3. Don't re-fit a carpet. Fit a tiled floor instead
  4. Fix TVs and other electrical entertainment devices to the wall at least 1.5m off the floor
  5. Put valuable or irreplaceable items on high-mounted shelves

How much will it cost to flood-proof my home?

Figures from the Association of British Insurers (ABI) estimate that protecting a property against shallow flash floods will cost in the region of £2,000-£6,000.

However, protection against prolonged flooding requires bigger changes and could cost up to £40,000.

If however you take all measures possible to protect your home, you will limit the damage caused and reduce the level of repairs.

Now is the time to act!

Where can I get more information?

Feel free to contact our Flood Prevention Experts, Howard and Peter, direct on 01768 861875 or via email help@jtatkinson.co.uk

Check out the following links for more information;

Environment Agency

Met Office

The NFU Mutual Guide