Devon "urged" to prepare for floods

The Environment Agency is calling on communities across Devon to prepare for potential flooding as it marks Flood Action Week from 14-20 October. 

This year's campaign comes after England experienced its wettest 18 months on record, with the Met Office forecasting another wet autumn and winter.

Flood Action Week coincides with the one-year anniversary of Storm Babet, which resulted in significant flooding throughout the country. 

With climate change contributing to more extreme weather events, many areas have already experienced flooding this autumn.

Approximately 5.5 million properties in England are at risk of flooding, and recent surveys indicate that nearly half of the population is unsure about how to access information regarding their local flood risks. 

The Environment Agency has stressed the importance of taking proactive measures to mitigate the impact of floods on homes and businesses.

Ben Johnstone, Flood and Coastal Risk Manager for Devon, said: “Our local teams train all year round to prepare for and respond to flooding. We are out on the ground, maintaining assets and engaging with communities to boost resilience. 

“However, we can never eliminate flood risk and the impacts of flooding entirely. That's why it’s crucial for individuals to take steps to prepare themselves – this Flood Action Week and beyond. Everyone has a part to play.”

To help residents prepare, the Environment Agency encourages the following actions:

• Check long-term flood risk: Use the free service to learn about the long-term flood risk for your area and potential causes of flooding.
• Sign up for flood warnings: Register to receive alerts by phone, text, or email.
• Create a flood plan: Store important documents in waterproof locations, move rugs and small furniture to higher ground, and prepare a flood kit.
• Explore Property Flood Resilience measures: Consider longer-term strategies to protect homes and businesses.

The agency also reminds the public to exercise caution during a flood. 

Drivers should avoid swollen rivers and never attempt to drive through floodwater, as just 30 centimetres of flowing water is sufficient to move a vehicle.

The mental health impacts of flooding can be as damaging as the physical destruction. Those whose homes are affected by extreme weather are more likely to experience poor mental health compared to the general population.

Floods Minister Emma Hardy stressed the urgency of proactive measures: “Flooding can be a destructive force that puts everything in life on hold. I’ve seen the impacts firsthand and am determined to ensure as much as possible others do not.  

“Through the recent launch of our Floods Resilience Taskforce, this government is taking decisive action to accelerate the development of flood defences and bolster the nation’s resilience to extreme weather.  

“But this Flood Action Week, we must be all be proactive in taking steps to protect ourselves by checking our flood risk and signing up for flood warnings.”  

Following previous flooding incidents, such as those caused by Storms Ciara and Dennis in 2020, the average insurance claim per household reached £32,000. 

In response, Flood Re, a partnership between the government and insurers, aims to make flood coverage more affordable within household insurance policies. 

Its Build Back Better initiative allows homeowners to access up to £10,000 for implementing flood resilience measures during repairs.

Flood Re Interim CEO Stuart Logue, said:  “One year on from Storm Babet and we are seeing yet more severe weather and flooding across the country, causing not only physical devastation to homes, but also placing a unique burden on the mental health and wellbeing of families who are affected.  

“This acts as a stark reminder of the importance of our Build Back Better scheme where householders can access up to £10,000 to build resilience into their homes when carrying our flood repairs.   

“Householders can find out which insurance providers are part of the scheme on our website by searching Flood Re Build Back Better.”  

For more information about flood risks and available resources, visit the Environment Agency's website.