Practical Steps to Reduce the Impact of Flooding

Recent flooding incidents this autumn have shown just how devastating and unpredictable flooding can be, leaving many homes damaged and people feeling overwhelmed. We understand the distress that flooding can cause, and we are here to help you take proactive steps to reduce the risks and impact.

Be Flood Risk-Aware

Is your home at risk? One of the first things homeowners can do is to understand their flood risk and the answer is simpler than you think! You can quickly check your home’s potential flood risk by visiting online resources, such as Gov.uk’s flood risk checker. Knowing the risks in your area allows you to be more prepared when heavy rainfall is expected.

Additionally, signing up for flood alerts is crucial. These alerts notify you when there’s an increased likelihood of flooding, so you can take quick action to protect your home and loved ones. You can sign up for these alerts through Gov.uk’s flood warning service.

Flood Preparation Checklist

Taking proactive steps to minimise its impact is key. Here are a few essential things to consider:

  • Prepare an emergency bag: Have a bag ready with essential items such as medications, important documents, and a flashlight. Being prepared can make all the difference in an emergency.
  • Protect valuable items: Ensure that large, valuable items are moved to higher ground or stored in waterproof containers to prevent water damage.

Being proactive with these steps can reduce the severity of the damage and speed up recovery.

Preparing and Recovering from Flooding

If your home has already been impacted by flooding or you want to ensure you’re fully prepared for the future, check out Flood Mary, a long-time friend of Sutcliffe & Co, who have created a Flood Resilience Toolkit.

Here’s what you’ll find in the toolkit:

  • The Householders’ Guide to Property Flood Resilience: This guide offers in-depth advice on making your home more resilient to floods, from understanding flood barriers to improving drainage systems.
  • Helpful videos: These videos provide practical tips and advice on what to do before, during, and after a flood, helping homeowners feel more confident when facing these challenging situations.
  • A one-page cheat sheet to flooding: This includes quick tips and helpful reminders, making it easy for homeowners to act quickly when needed.

Check out their resource: Flood Resilience Toolkit

With the right preparation, homeowners can not only protect their properties but also recover more effectively when flooding occurs.

Take Action Now

Flooding is a reality for many, but with the right knowledge and precautions, you can reduce the risks and better protect your home. Stay informed, take action early, and don’t wait until it’s too late.

If you need more information or want to ensure your flood insurance coverage is up to date, don’t hesitate to contact us. We’re here to help you safeguard your property and provide support when you need it most.

For advice or to discuss your insurance needs, call us today on 01905 21681.