Homeowners fail to find out whether homes are at risk
A UK flood risk survey has revealed a shocking lack of knowledge from homeowners over whether their properties are in danger of rising waters. Read more about how to cope with a flooded garden and prevent it.
YouGov survey for Landmark Information revealed that more than half (53 per cent) of respondents have never checked whether their homes are in an area officially considered to be at risk of flooding. This increases to 63 per cent in Scotland and 75 per cent in Northern Ireland.
Since the devastating summer floods of 2007, which saw more than 48,000 homes affected by flooding, homeowners and landlords are failing to find out whether their homes are at risk. With climate change, we need to be aware that our families and homes are in danger.
Updated flood report
When asked what their biggest concern would be if they were to find out their home is located in an ‘at risk’ area, 31 per cent said the potential for loss or damage to personal possessions was their main worry. Fourteen per cent stated that they would “not be concerned about anything in particular”.
Those surveyed felt that construction companies, councils, government and environmental authorities could be doing more to raise awareness and manage defence against flooding. Some 35 per cent said their confidence is about the same as it was in 2007.
Consumer knowledge of how to check whether a property is considered at risk was limited. Some 39 per cent said that checking online via search engines would be their first port of call. Next, they would ask the Environment Agency (25 per cent). Finally, their council (13 per cent) and 13 per cent said they would not know where to turn.
UK flood risk survey – devastating consequences
Landmark has an updated Homecheck Flood report. This provides guidance on a property’s risk, including coastal, river, surface water, and groundwater flooding.
It is the only report of its kind to automatically include a manual risk assessment from a specialist environmental consultant should significant flood risk be identified. It includes the findings on an interactive digital map. The report has been adopted by the Know Your Flood Risk campaign.
Mary Dhonau OBE is the chief executive of the Know Your Flood Risk campaign. She said: “I know only too well the devastating consequences of flooding, having been flooded myself on many occasions. Planning is the best policy, and knowing whether your property is at risk will ensure that you are better prepared.
UK flood risk survey – Information is key
“Being able to access the kind of information that Homecheck Flood provides, for a relatively small cost, means consumers are forewarned; they understand the risk that their home may face and can take adequate measures to make their homes resilient, should the worst occur.”
For more information, visit www.knowyourfloodrisk.co.uk. The Homecheck Flood report is available from the Know Your Flood Risk website for £30. A National Flood Map has been launched. If you’re in an at-risk area, consider rain gardening.
