Homeowners fear flood risk

2nd November, 2005

One in three Brits who have been victims of flooding are concerned that the likelihood of floods is increasing, a new survey finds.

Of these, over 50 per cent are anxious that floods will damage their properties in the future, suggesting that most at-risk homes have adequate home insurance.

Yet 80 per cent of those polled said they would not consider making changes to their home insurance policies to provide better protection against flooding.

Norwich Union is offering homeowners advice on the best ways they can protect their homes against bad weather especially since the effects of flood damage can be devastating.

The financial provider says it takes one in five households between three and six months to clean up a house after storm damage, but still 69 per cent of respondents do not take any action to prevent flooding.

Preventative measures include installing a pump-and-sump system below floorboards, moving expensive items above water level, replacing more vulnerable materials such as wood fittings with plaster or concrete and keeping floor boards to hand that can quickly be placed around doors to temporarily keep out flash floods.

Norwich Union advises that all homes at risk from flooding should check their buildings and contents insurance is valid and comprehensive.

 

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