The Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS) has urged householders and businesses to create flood plans to protect their properties.
The organisation, which sets standards in the land, property and construction industries, wants the public and businesses to sign-up to receive regular flood warnings by registering with the Environment Agency.
Alan Cripps, FRICS RICS Associate Director, Built Environment, said: “Over the last decade, we’ve experienced at least one serious flood per year, and as our climate continues to change, we can expect to see further extreme weather.
“Even those that are currently in ‘negligible’ flood risk areas should consider making a flood plan as their ‘risk’ could change in the near future.”
Alan said residents in flood risk areas need to make sure that walls, floors, service intakes and drains are upgraded to protect a property from flooding.
“Walls can be strengthened by adding closed cell insulation, whilst tiled floors can be made more robust by ensuring the grout and adhesive is waterproof, and wooden floors can be chemically treated to protect from floods and decay,” said Alan.
“Adding a non-return valve in the sewer pipe will also close the waste pipeline automatically when backflow occurs. It’s worth raising any vulnerable elements including electrics above the expected flood level too.”
The Association of British Insurers said insurance claims caused by Storm Desmond and Storm Eva will reach £1.3bn, with the average insurance claim for damage costing £50,000, which is far greater than the average of £31,000 for the winter storms in 2013-14.
“A chartered surveyor with experience in providing flooding related services and advice will be able to recommend suitable flood defence solutions to householders and businesses, and arrange and supervise any required works,” added Alan.
“He/she is also able to manage insurance claims in the event of flood damage and provide reports for insurers or mortgage lenders.”
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