Flood Protection - Protecting Your Property or Business from Flooding
The increased risk of storms and freak weather episodes is of great concern and a byproduct of climate change. Getting the correct flood protection procedures in place, and preparing your property before a storm can help you to mitigate some of the risks of damage that can occur from high winds, heavy rain and the knock-on effects of flooding.
What are the potential threats to your property from storms?
Whether you have a commercial or residential property, checking external fixtures and fittings should be a weekly routine, particularly during the autumn and winter months. Fences, roof tiles and guttering can easily be damaged with general wear and tear, let alone with the challenges that storms can bring. Ensuring well-maintained extremities can help give you peace of mind ahead of an extreme weather event. Trimming and removing trees near your property is the first line in defence to reduce wind damage.
Secure loose and lightweight external objects, such as garden furniture
High winds and gusts pose an increased hazard, causing dangerous conditions where debris can be picked up and land on either property, vehicles or, in the worst-case scenario, even on people. Secure outdoor furniture or equipment with suitable braces, and where possible, store things indoors during the winter months. One of the most common items responsible for residential property damage is trampolines, which take off during high winds and fly surprisingly far!
Clean and maintain the drainage system
Ensure drains are free of leaves and debris so that water runoff can drain freely, helping to minimise localised flooding and increase your flood protection. This is particularly important during the autumn months as the falling leaves can quickly block key drainage systems. Collecting fallen leaves should be a weekly task and disposed of suitably.
Preparing vulnerable properties from flooding
If your property is prone to flooding, you may want to consider a strengthening strategy such as sealing cracks in walls, installing sump pumps, elevating electrical systems and even using flood-resistant materials.
Check the weather forecast before, during and after a storm
Knowledge before, during and after a storm helps with planning and keeping safe. Tune in to local radio stations for updates on road blockages from fallen trees and flooding, and always take safety instructions from emergency services. River and stream levels can rise quickly during a storm, and you may have to leave suddenly to keep yourself safe from harm.
If you don’t need to go out… don’t!
Avoid making non-essential car journeys and never enter flood water as it could be deeper than you think and contain harmful bacteria from overflowing sewage. Storms can uncover drains and can be a hidden hazard, particularly after the wet and windy weather passes.
Check your insurance policy is fit for purpose.
Having the right insurance cover in place is key to making sure that if the worst were to happen, you can quickly get back on your feet with minimal downtime. This will also safeguard against financial pressures and reduce emotional stress. A business continuity plan that includes emergency contacts and backup data storage is a good practice and should form part of the business strategy. Consider flood insurance, especially if you live in a FEMA flood zone. Our specialist Sutcliffe & Co Team is available to advise you on specific cover tailored to your requirements.
These are all great steps to increase your flood protection. Please contact us today on 01905 21681 for further information, and you can request a property insurance quote here.
