Think your home isn’t a flood risk? Think again

Key takeaways

• Many UK homeowners underestimate their flood risk, particularly from flash flooding and surface water flooding.

• Preparing a flood kit and storing important belongings in waterproof containers can save valuable time and reduce losses.

• Flood-resistant and flood-resilient home improvements can help limit damage and may support future insurance applications.

When most people picture a flood-risk property, they imagine a cottage beside a river or a home overlooking the coast. The reality is very different. Many of the homes most at risk of flooding aren't rural. Around 80% of England's high-risk properties are in towns and cities.

And after the long period of hot, dry weather we recently experienced in the UK, the ground becomes hard and compacted. When heavy rain arrives suddenly, instead of soaking into the soil, water runs across roads, pavements and gardens. This can overwhelm drains in minutes, creating flash floods in areas that may never have experienced flooding before. So don’t assume you’re safe from flooding. The average cost of repairing flood damage to a home is estimated at around £30,000. Without insurance, the financial impact could be devastating.

What to do outside to protect your home from floodwater

The good news is that some of the most effective flood-prevention measures are also some of the simplest.

Insurers expect homeowners to take reasonable steps to look after their property. Routine maintenance can help reduce damage and demonstrate you've acted responsibly if you need to make a claim. Start by checking:

• Gutters and downpipes for leaves, moss and debris

• Drains and gulleys around your property

• Ditches and water channels on your land

• Roof tiles for signs of damage or movement

• Fences, gates and boundary walls for weaknesses

Keeping these areas clear helps water drain away more effectively during heavy rainfall. If your property has a history of flooding, or you're concerned about increasing risks, consider more permanent flood-resistant measures, including:

• Flood doors or removable flood barriers

• Self-closing air bricks or air brick covers

• Non-return valves on drains and pipes to prevent sewage backing up

• Waterproof coatings and repairs to external brickwork

• Flood-resistant walls, fences or landscaping

Just remember: only carry out maintenance and repairs if it's safe to do so. Don't attempt to work on roofs or ladders during severe weather conditions.

What to prepare inside your home?

Flood preparation isn't just about protecting your property. It's about protecting the people and possessions that matter most. A good place to start is with a simple flood emergency kit containing:

• Torches and spare batteries

• Drinking water

• Basic first aid supplies

• Waterproof clothing

• Mobile phone chargers or power banks

• Essential medications

• Copies of important documents

It's also worth thinking about how you'll protect belongings if flooding becomes likely. Some low-cost but surprisingly effective ideas include:

• Storing important paperwork in waterproof plastic boxes

• Moving valuables onto higher shelves

• Keeping treasured items upstairs when heavy rain is forecast

• Raising furniture on blocks or temporary stands

• Using plastic storage crates that can be quickly moved to safety

If you live in a bungalow, consider asking a family member or friend to store irreplaceable sentimental items during periods of increased flood risk. Even small measures can make a big difference. Flood resilience expert Mary Dhonau has suggested placing waterproof containers or Wellington boots over wooden furniture legs to limit water damage. Aluminium tape can also provide a temporary seal over air bricks in some situations.

How can flood-resilient improvements reduce damage?

Flood-resilient design accepts that water may enter a building and focuses on reducing the damage it causes. The goal is simple: recover faster and return to normal life sooner. Practical flood-resilient measures include:

• Choosing water-resistant materials in kitchens and bathrooms

• Replacing carpets with tiles, concrete or treated flooring

• Raising electrical sockets above likely flood levels

• Installing white goods on concrete plinths or blocks

• Keeping sacrificial furniture available to raise important items

• Creating a dedicated "flood cupboard" containing pumps, crates, boots and emergency equipment

These improvements can significantly reduce drying times and repair costs after a flood.

Why your insurance matters more than ever

Preparing for a flood might feel like a chore, but it's far easier than dealing with the aftermath. Some homeowners spend up to nine months out of their property after a major flood, so a little planning now can go a long way. Insurance plays a crucial role in helping you recover financially and practically. However, obtaining cover in higher-risk areas can sometimes be more challenging. Insurers may consider local flood history, previous claims, the property's construction and any resilience measures already in place. That's why it's important to review your cover regularly and make sure it still reflects your circumstances.

At Howden, we can help you understand your risks, explain flood mitigation measures to insurers and make sure you're getting cover that's right for your circumstances. And if the worst does happen, we'll be by your side to help guide you through the claims process. If you're reviewing your flood preparedness, make insurance part of the plan. Search for your nearest Howden branch and speak with one of our local experts. We'll help make sure you're protected, whatever the weather decides to do next.

Sources: The Guardian, MoneySuperMarket, National Housing Federation