Are you at risk of flooding?

Most people have now come round to the idea that our climate is changing, whether or not they accept that it is a direct result of human activity. Since 1998, we have seen six of the ten wettest years on record, while the ten warmest years on record have all happened since 2002.

According to government statistics released during Flood Action Week in November 2022, “at least one in six people in England are at risk from flooding from rivers and the sea, with many more at risk from surface water flooding”. Further statistics suggest that your home is actually more likely to be flooded than burgled.

This month, we’re examining the flooding risks we face,

 why the risks seem to be greater than ever, how we can prepare for a potential flood, and how the team at Need a Tanker can help should the worst happen.  

Common causes of flooding

It may not rain as often as it used to, but when it does it can be for longer and with more intensity. As a result, the potential for flash flooding is ever greater. If you are not sure what ‘flash flooding’ is, it’s what can happen when the ground or drainage systems cannot deal with excess water fast enough, so that as more rain falls it needs to find somewhere else to go.

But the more common occurrences of flooding that we are seeing are not just down to there being more rain. Many of our existing drainage systems simply weren’t built to cope with not only the increased levels of rainwater, but also the larger population producing more waste water. 

Meanwhile, when rivers burst their banks in years gone by, the excess water would go into the surrounding floodplains where it could soak away safely. These days, many of those former floodplains have been used for housing. So when a river does overflow, the water will either flow into that housing area or, if there are flood defence systems in place, be pushed further downriver to find somewhere else to escape.

Interestingly, a report published by the Environment Agency in April 2022 also suggested that there is “an inequality in terms of social deprivation and flood risk exposure from all sources of flooding”. In other words, those living in more deprived areas are generally at greater risk of flooding than less deprived areas, although the level of inequality has decreased since a previous study in 2006.

How can you check if you live in a flood risk area?

While particular areas are inevitably more prone to flooding as a result of being low-lying or close to rivers or the sea, almost anywhere can become vulnerable if the wrong weather system decides to settle in over that area.

The government therefore has two websites that allow you to check whether you might be at risk.

One is for checking long-term flooding risk, in other words whether the area you live – or are thinking of moving to – is generally prone to flooding.

The other allows you to check your current short-term flooding risk that might exist as a result of prevailing weather conditions.

You can also sign up for flood warnings, so that if the Met Office issues a warning for your area, you’ll automatically be notified, allowing you to start making preparations to deal with the situation.

How to prepare for flooding in a high flood risk zone

If you do live in a high-risk area, and you have the space to store them, it would be worth keeping sandbags to hand so that you stop as much water as possible from entering your home. Your local council can let you know where they can be obtained, although you might also be able to get some from a local DIY store.

If there is an imminent risk, you would also be advised to move as many of your possessions as you can off the floor, being particularly mindful of electrical items and electric sockets.

How can Need a Tanker help?

Should the worst happen, and your house does get flooded, Need a Tanker offers a range of flood water removal services nationwide, including emergency response and dealing with basement flooding, that will help keep the potential for severe long-term damage to your property to a minimum. 

Our experienced team is equipped with the latest equipment and has many years of experience in the industry. Whether you’re a domestic or commercial customer, we can offer fast and reliable remedies should your premises be affected by flood water. 

Get in touch with us now to find out more.