There are many things that can be done to prepare for, and reduce the impacts of flooding.
Homeowners and businesses
Check your insurance
If your property has suffered from flood damage in the past, if there is a history of flooding in your neighbourhood or you are within an identified flood risk area, it can sometimes be difficult to find insurance cover.
The Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs has published a guide to obtaining insurance in high risk areas.
Consider Property Level Flood Protection measures
If appropriate you may want to consider installing Property Level Flood Protection equipment in your home. Property Level Flood Protection includes things like non-return valves, air bricks covers, temporary flood gates, flood doors and water pumps.
These measures are seen as a last resort to flooding and they may not completely prevent flooding, but they can help to reduce the impacts and make it easier to recover. The National Flood Forum provides some excellent information about Property Level Flood Protection measures and includes a directory of suppliers.
Communities
Working as a community is a sensible way to help reduce the impacts of a shared flood risk.
Make a community flood plan
Parishes at risk from flooding are advised to create a community flood plan. The Environment Agency provides practical advice for communities and groups on preparing a flood plan and keeping safe during flooding.
Nominate a Local Flood Representative
A Local Flood Representative is an individual nominated by their Parish Council, Federation of Bath Residents' Association Group or Bath Ward to liaise with Bath & North East Somerset Council’s Drainage & Flooding team.
Local Flood Reps provide an important communication link between communities and Flood Risk Management authorities on issues of:
• land drainage
• surface water flooding
• groundwater flooding
• watercourse flooding
It should be emphasised that the position is not a flood emergency role. It is primarily concerned with the reporting of on-going local land drainage and flooding issues in order to come up with practical solutions for long-term improvements.
No technical knowledge of drainage or flooding is required, what’s more important is that the Local Flood Representative is willing to gather information about drainage issues and pass this on to the Council’s Drainage and Flooding team. The individual does not need to be connected with the Council in any way, any member of the public is welcome to apply but the nomination will need to be agreed with the Parish, Ward Councillor or Resident’s Group.
If you would like to find out more about the Local Flood Rep role please email the Council’s Drainage and Flooding team.
Nuisance or flooding from springs
Fact sheet explaining why springs appear and what you might be able to do to manage them if they occur on your land.