Is There a Risk of Your Home Flooding?

Numerous flood warnings have been issued recently throughout the UK.

On occasions when this takes place, block managers in these areas should already be preparing for the worst-case-scenario, delivering on-site protection such as sandbags or flood barriers to at-risk properties. If flood warnings are broadcast, residents should be advised to move their cars to higher ground and belongings should be removed from ground floor flats and stored further up the building wherever possible. Residents with pets should make arrangements for them to be looked after by friends or relations and they should also try and find suitable overnight accommodation for themselves in advance should the worst happen.

Is There Emergency Accommodation?

Some block insurance policies allow for emergency accommodation but not all of them. It is worth checking with your property manager or landlord. It is important for block managers to talk to residents, especially anyone who is elderly or vulnerable, to ensure that they are aware of what to do and where they should go if they find flood water coming into their homes. Checklists of what to take, including medical supplies, mobile phones and bank cards if evacuation is necessary, will help people to plan in advance and leave the building calmly in an emergency.

Everyone should make sure that they have contents insurance, including flood cover. Don't be afraid to speak to your property manager/letting agent/landlord to determine what, if any, flood protection measures they have in place. There should be a flood emergency and evacuation plan for your building.

If you don’t have one, you and your neighbours can request that one is written. The Environment Agency runs a free flood warning service so anyone living in a flat can find out quickly if their block is at risk from potential flooding. And if you live in a ground floor flat, again, don’t be afraid to ask for sandbags to be provided so you can keep them on hand in case of emergency. Renters in houses, rather than flats should speak directly to your letting agent or landlord if your home is in a high-risk area. This is to find out what they can usefully do to protect themselves or what action to take if their home becomes flooded.