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Protect Properties at Risk of Flooding

from "UK Landlord" magazine, March 2008

With the possibility of more heavy rainfall and flooding in the UK this spring, landlords in high-risk areas are being advised to take precautions to protect their property businesses.

Landlords should find out first if their properties are at a flood risk by using the Environment Agency website or its Floodline telephone advice line. Make sure your rental properties have comprehensive insurance against flooding To help protect properties, landlords can supply tenants with simple flood defences like floodgates, flood boards and sandbags for use if the worst should happen, as well as a silicone sealant to smear around door and window frames to prevent flood water getting in to the property. Bricks or blocks are also useful for raising large appliances like fridge freezers up off the ground.

Landlords might also consider devising a written flood plan to give to tenants so that they know what to do in the event of a flood.

It can include a list of important contacts including gas, electricity, water and telephone providers; a map showing the location of key protective materials and where to turn off gas and electricity and water supplies; basic strategies for protecting the property and a list of valuable items that should be moved to higher points to prevent damage.

A comprehensive flood plan might also include the following checklist:

• Plug sinks and baths.
• Be ready to turn off gas, electricity and water supplies.
• Unplug all electrical items and move them as high as possible.
• Move furniture away from walls. This will help when drying out the property later.
• Remove curtains and carpets and move them upstairs, or as high as possible.
• Leave internal doors open, or remove them if possible.
• Block air vents or cat flaps or any other low level opening in doors.
• Make sure you or your tenants document (e.g. photograph) any damage to the property to provide to your insurance company.

For more information, see the Environment Agency's website www.environment-agency.gov.uk or call its Floodline on 0845 988 118

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