Insurers to improve homes to protect from flooding
Homeowners who were affected by the recent flooding should encourage their insurer to improve flood protection of properties.
The Environment Agency has said that flood damaged properties should be modified to protect them against flooding, rather than simply making the repairs only for the same damage to occur again.
The Environment Agency has recommended that the height of power sockets be raised, that rugs are used instead of carpets and concrete or tiles floors replace wooden flooring. Moveable kitchen units and replacing wooden window frames with synthetic ones are also changes encouraged by The Environment Agency.
Over 1,300 homes were devastated by flooding during November and although flood protection systems have been implemented across the country more clearly needs to be done.
Climate change means that the risk to homes has grown and is likely to increase further.
The Environment Agency wants to see a change in the way that insurers are instructing the repairs to flooded properties. Any repairs should bear in mind the fact that the flood could occur again and therefore any repairs should consider this. The modifications should then assist the homeowner to reduce any more damage and allow people to return to their homes more quickly.
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