New stats show over 20,000 homes in Bucks Beds and Herts at high or medium risk of flooding
The figure is over 4,000 for East Hertfordshire
New research has found that 74% of property owners in flood prone areas have done nothing to protect their homes from flood risk.
Environment Agency data shows as many as 5.5 million homes and businesses are at risk of flooding and they warn this is set to worsen with climate change.
In Buckinghamshire, Bedfordshire and Hertfordshire, around 20,000 properties are at medium or high risk of flooding.
Now, with figures showing it costs an average of £32,000 to recover and repair affected properties, Andy Bord from Flood RE is urging people to better protect their homes: "It's a horrible, traumatic experience that can leave people out of their homes for 9 months or more whilst repairs take place. "Often, personal, cherished items can't be replaced either."
Andy gave us some advice on how we can make our homes more flood-proof: "An airbrick cover that stops water getting into your house at ground level, and a toilet bung that prevents the horrible experience of sewage coming out into your home can each cost less than £50, but they make a real difference."
If we do find our homes flooding, Andy has this advice: "There are simple things you can do like moving your car to higher ground.
"Another thing you can do is take your personal, valuable and sentimental possessions from the ground floor and move them upstairs if possible.
"It's all about thinking ahead of the horrible experience that flooding can be."
Top flood prevention tips
Andy gave us a bit more detail on what we can do to keep our homes safe during flooding:
1. Floating shelves
Installing floating shelves, raised high above the potential flood level, can help keep loved possessions away from flood’s harm.
2. Non-return valves and toilet bungs
Flood water can flow up through wastewater pipes and flood the property with foul water.
Non-return valves can be fitted to prevent dirty water from drains and toilets flowing into the house, while ensuring normal wastewater can flow out.
Inflatable bungs are another effective way to stop flood water from entering the property through the toilet.
3. Airbrick covers
Airbricks are small bricks with holes near to ground level which supply ventilation to your property.
They are almost always used in construction and are there to enable the house to ‘breathe’.
But during a flood, they can let in dirty and damaging water.
Airbrick covers can be fitted easily and quickly when you know intense rain is coming that might trigger a flood.
4. Flooring choices
If you’re considering new flooring for your downstairs, choose materials that are flood resilient rather than carpet.
A hard surface like tiling can considerably reduce the damage caused and make for a much easier clean-up.