Flood Action Week 2024
Flood Action Week takes place from 14-20 October and is focused on encouraging people to know what actions they can take to prepare for flooding.
Flooding can happen to you – don’t be caught off guard
In England there are around 5.5 million properties at risk of flooding. Despite this, a recent survey conducted by the Environment Agency suggests 50% of households at risk do not believe their homes could flood[i]. But just because flooding hasn’t affected you in the past, it doesn’t mean it won’t happen in the future.
The Met Office reported the wettest 18 months on record in England up to February 2024, and this September, heavy rainfall caused the first major flooding incident of the season. Climate change continues to increase the likelihood and severity of flood events like this and those seen during last autumn and winter including Storm Babet, Ciaran and Henk, yet fewer than half (47%) of those polled agreed they have a good understanding of how to protect their home. This is why it is more important than ever that every person knows their flood risk and what actions can be taken to prepare and stay safe should the worst happen.
The dangers of delaying action
Flooding can cause substantial damage. According to the Association of British Insurers, the estimated average insurance claim per household following the flooding caused by Storms Ciara and Dennis in 2020 was £32,000[ii].
Up to a third of people also experience impacts to their mental health. Depression, anxiety and PTSD can last for at least two years or more after a flood event.
However, it isn’t just the harm to homes and businesses and people’s wellbeing that can be costly, flooding can also cost lives.
But, crucially, taking proactive steps to plan for flooding can significantly reduce the risk to life, damage to homes and possessions, and suffering from poor mental health in the future.
Know how to Prepare. Act. Survive.
The good news is that preparing for flooding includes simple things that you can do to help keep you and your family safe and save you thousands of pounds in damages and disruption. The below infographics set out some of the steps you can take.
[i] Environment Agency Public Flood Survey, September 2024
[ii] ABI data on flood recovery insurance pay outs in 2020 following Storms Ciara and Dennis
Understanding Flood Warnings
Advice videos (click on image to play)
Around 5.5 million homes and businesses in England are at risk of flooding. Don’t assume it won’t happen to you.
Check out the 5 things you can do this #FloodActionWeek to be better prepared for a flood.
Did you know that just 30cm of flowing water is enough to move your car? Never drive through floodwater.
Driving through flood water is the number one cause of death during flooding.It is never worth the risk.
Property Flood Resilience
#BeFloodSmart and find out about property flood resilience measures.
They can reduce the detrimental effects of flooding such as damage to your home and loss of precious belongings.
Find out more at https://www.floodre.co.uk/be-flood-smart/
