Steps to minimise fluvial flooding damage

A fluvial, or river flood, occurs when the water level in a river, lake or stream rises due to excessive rain or snowmelt and overflows onto the nearby banks, shores and surrounding land.

The damage from a river flood can be extensive as fast flowing water can cause structural damage as well as carry silt, mud and other contamination such as waste from sewers. This makes the cleaning process complex as it is not clean water we are dealing with.

Recently in 2020, Britain experienced the wettest February on record due to a succession of weather events - Storm’s Dennis, Ciara and Jorge. Storms Ciara and Dennis alone left 3,500 homes and 1,500 businesses flooded, at a cost to insurers of approximately £214 million. While Storm Christoph presented wide-spread damage last month, when around 4,000 homes were overwhelmed by flood water and debris. 

Flooding projections

We know that the risk of flooding is likely to increase as a result of the changing climate. Experts project that the number of people at high risk from flood damage could rise from 1.5 million to 3.5 million by 2080. 

The Environment Agency suggests that there are currently around 5.2 million properties in England, or one in six properties, at risk of flooding. In addition, more than 5 million people live and work in 2.4 million properties that are at risk of flooding from rivers or the sea, one million of which are also at risk of surface water flooding.

The devastating impact of flooding on communities, properties and infrastructure is widely known, due to the frequency of flood events we have experienced over the past decade. Therefore, Councils, businesses owners and householders should ensure they are aware of the individual risks affecting their area of responsibility, company location, or home and should have suitable defences ready in the event of fluvial flooding. 

The following steps can help to reduce flood damage: 

1. Understand the flood risk: Firstly, know your flood risk by checking your local flood map. If you’re at risk of flooding, anyone can sign up for flood alerts provided by the Environmental Agency. You can sign up multiple employees or residents free of charge too.
2. Plan ahead: Planning ahead means that you can respond to the flood incident in the most effective way – you can do this by creating a plan of action. Keep it in an accessible place that all stakeholders are aware of. 
3. Protection Measures: Include measures to prevent water get into buildings, such as temporary seals for covering air blocks, one-way valves fitted to drainage pipes and toilets, and removable barriers fitted to doors and low level windows or flood proof doors (make sure all products have a Kitemark).
4. Sumps and pumps: If you have a basement, consider investing in one of these systems.
5. Elevate it: Raise electrical devices and sockets above the predicted water level height with a safety margin included.
6. Make temporary dams: Stock up on sandbags or sand-less alternatives to use as effective flood barriers, so there is no last minute panic buying. These will reduce the amount of water entering the property but are not considered as effective as flood barriers.
7. Assemble your supplies: Waterproof bags are available that can be used to protect items from flood water - with some big enough to cover large furniture. 
8. High-value: Place any valuables or items that are likely to be damaged by flooding at height in a room or upstairs if possible.
9. Flood alert: Take effective steps to minimise damage if water does get in to the building. This can include ceramic or stone tiles instead of wood, using durable materials in the building, and replacing wooden doors and frames with UPVC.
10. Shut off electricity and gas: Even if invading water cannot reach electrical or gas outlets, switch them off at the mains. If there is water inside or around the electricity fuse box, contact a professional and do not touch the box. 

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