Damage Limitation
How to make your
home flood resistant
This guide has been produced by the Environment Agency working in
partnership with the Construction Industry Research and Information
Association (CIRIA).
While the authors believe the information contained in this guide is correct,
it offers basic advice only and is not a substitute for expert or professional
opinion which should be sought for any major DIY work undertaken to
improve your property’s flood resistance.
Contents
Simple Measures
Sandbags
Flood Boards
Wrapping a Property
DIY? Then Do it Now!
Useful Contacts
The Environment Agency and CIRIA
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Two million homes are situated in flood plains in England and
Wales and are at risk of flooding from rivers or the sea.
Finding out whether your home is in a flood risk area,
understanding what you can do to reduce the risk and taking
action to prepare in advance are the key steps in learning how to
cope with flooding.
This guide gives practical advice on how to make your home
more likely to withstand the effects of flooding. Measures are
often simple and do not need technical knowledge.
Do remember that unless the flood passes very quickly, you are
unlikely to keep floodwater out of your home completely (unless
it has a water-excluding structure). If flooding is very severe it
may enter through doors, windows, airbricks, vents, drains, walls
and even through the ground floor.
Following the advice in this guide may save you and your family
a great deal of expense and minimise the hard work and
heartache of cleaning up a home after a flood.
Flooding. You can’t prevent it. You can prepare for it.
Is Your Home Prepared for a Flood?
Flooding possible. Be aware! Be
prepared! Watch Out!
Flooding expected affecting
homes, businesses and
main roads. Act now!
Severe flooding expected.
Imminent danger to life and
property. Act now!
An all clear will be issued when
flood watches or warnings are no
longer in force. Flood water levels
receding. Check all is safe to
return. Seek advice.
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