Protect Your Property

With one in six UK homes at risk of flooding and climate change increasing this risk, even if you haven't flooded before it's worth being prepared just in case the worst should happen. There are some simple property flood resilience measures that you can take – and products you can buy – that can limit the damage.

Cartoon flooded house icon. Flood water is past the door level and the car is submerged.

This could save you money and heartache, as well as allowing you to return to your property much sooner.

Here are six essential steps to help you understand the process of preparing for flooding and installing property flood protection. Download a booklet that covers these steps in much more detail through the link below.

Download here

Step one - Check your flood risk
You can check your flood risk online or by calling Floodline on 0345 988 1188. This will help you understand your risk of flooding from rivers, surface water, and reservoirs. Risks from run-off and flash flooding are more difficult to predict – see more about Flash Flooding.

Step two - Make a flood plan
Flooding can happen very quickly, giving you little time to act. Creating a flood plan for your home, business, or community and sharing it with those who need to see it can help minimise damage and protect your loved ones, employees, and neighbours.

Step three - Do the groundwork
Before undertaking any work on your property, you will need to check your insurer’s policy on flood resilience technologies. The Association of British Insurers or the British Insurance Brokers Association may be able to suggest insurers that specialise in flood risk cover.

The next important step will be a survey of your property. You can choose a manufacturer’s survey or an independent survey. The Royal Institute for Chartered Surveyors (RICS) has a list of professional chartered surveyors that you can browse by postcode.

Step four - Choose the right products
A combination of flood resistance measures (those designed to keep floodwater out) and resilience measures (those designed to reduce damage when water enters) offers the best way to protect your property and minimise recovery costs.

If you're looking to invest in property flood resilience products, you may find this guide helpful.

Step five - Choose the right installer
Find an installer you can trust with this guide to choosing the right tradespeople.

Step six - Keep products in good working order
All products will need to be periodically checked, tested and maintained. Practice installing products such as flood barriers and check mechanisms on products like flood doors and valves regularly to ensure that they are in good working order. Take care if having any alterations made to existing products such as flood doors as these may invalidate manufacturers’ warranties.

Recommended guides...

Environment Agency: Prepare your property for flooding

Know Your Flood Risk: Homeowner's guide to flood resilience

The National Flood Forum: Protecting Your Property

Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA): Obtaining flood insurance for high risk areas

The Royal Institute of Chartered Surveyors: A clear guide to flooding for property owners

The Association of British Insurers: A guide to resistant and resilient repair after a flood