Flooding is a major issue on this little island known as the United Kingdom, and one of the most expensive and unpredictable problems that home and business owners face every year. Whether or not you want to chalk it down to climate change or any other factor, the fact is that rainfall in the UK is now extremely unpredictable and that makes it extremely hard for companies and homeowners to prepare for flooding.
According to the Environment Agency, 5.5 million homes and businesses are at risk from flooding from rising seas, broken river banks and surface water. If 5.5m homes translates to 1 in 6 homes in the UK, that is an enormous issue, and one that you have little control over. The weather channels can give you updates, but they cannot prepare your homes and businesses for Mother Nature, who can be quite cruel in these instances.
1. An Example of How Devastating Floods Can Be
If you need an example of how bad it can get in the UK, you don’t have to look much further than 2009, when November and December were the wettest months across the UK since 1914, the year that World War I broke out. 40% of the population of Cork, the Republic of Ireland’s largest city, was without running water during the floods, with Cumbria being the worst affected area in England. Deaths were recorded, bridges collapsed and homes were devastated. It was an extremely traumatic time for the people of the UK and the emergency services.
Luckily, there were some good news stories amongst all the carnage. 26 homes in Appleby in Cumbria stayed dry through the floods because adequate flood products had been installed in time, including floodgates and sandbags. When the river burst its banks, the residents had already pulled together their resources. And managed to save their properties and their residents a lot of grief and money.
2. Protecting Your Property Against Flooding
Whether you’re a business owner or a home owner, the same rules apply. Being prepared for flooding and adverse weather conditions should be as high a priority as fire protection. How you prepare for flooding depends on where you live and the type of flood you are likely to see. For example, the Cumbria floods were the result of having rivers nearby that burst. A town in the midlands, however, is likely to have to deal with excessive rainwater rather than rivers. Either way, being in the know is important, so keep checking for weather updates either by television, radio or the internet.
3. Products To Keep Your Property Safe
Your property has many entry points for flood water, and some give way quicker than others. The bricks and floors of homes and businesses in the UK are susceptible to flooding, especially if your home has a cellar. Water can rise through these areas quickly, as well as through sewer pipes and guttering when there is a backflow. The key in these instances is to know what products you can install to help prevent excessive flooding:
4. Doors and windows
There are a wide range of flood proof doors and windows that are available. And are highly recommended in more at-risk areas where flooding is more likely to occur. Homes can also invest in patio doors that are flood proof too.
Businesses can also invest in anti-flood security doors that are programmed to detect when water reaches certain levels. And drop to ensure the water doesn’t spread throughout the property.
5. Interiors of the Property
There are types of air bricks that are flood proof, and are specially designed to cover old bricks. This is especially helpful in older properties and in the most at-risk areas of the country. In the case of flooring, it is recommended that concrete flooring be laid to replace wooden floorboards that are much more susceptible to flooding and will not offer the same protection.
6. Exteriors of the Property
The drains and pipes of your property should be kept clear so that they can’t back-up into the property. And increase the risk of flooding. One way to deal with the issue is to add valves to drains and the pipes. This prevents any clogging and allows for water and wastage to follow through without any issue. It can also help if your driveway and garden is structured in a way that allows for water to follow down towards the street rather than be able to rise and cause a flooding issue.
7. Recommended Flooding Products
Whenever you see an area that is being flooded, one of the first products being used to combat it will be sandbags. Communities often work together to ensure that these are available in an emergency; as they can be difficult to get hold of and are extremely heavy. But when in place, there aren’t many products out there that are more effective when dealing with flooding. Another option is flood barriers. Contacting the Environment Agency for more advice on the matter is always a good idea if you feel you need any more advice regarding flooding and how to tackle it.