Back     Latest news from Green Building Press    Subscribe to our newsletter

Online Flood Maps Show Risky Areas

Posted: 06/11/2006

"Don't ignore the risk of flooding in this country", says the Environment Agency. Around 5 million people in the UK are at risk of flooding - now you can find out if you are one of them. By using the Agency's online floodmap service, you can find out how to protect yourself and your home, and if flood warnings are available in your area.

The Environment Agency have recently launched the £30m online map to tell homeowners in England and Wales what flooding risks they face. Areas are given low, moderate or significant risk ratings according to location, predicted water levels, and type and condition of flood defences. The Flood Map facility allows users to find the likelihood of flooding in their area. Current flood warnings in force can be checked, as well as details on how flooding could affect home insurance.

Visitors to the site simply enter their postcode or town name, and a map appears complete with colour-coded representations, showing flood defences, risk of floods and extreme floods. Clicking on a more specific point on the map will indicate whether their risk is low, moderate or significant.

There is also general information on ways to protect homes and businesses from flooding, with simple steps for protecting valuables and how DIY flood defences can reduce the damage caused by flooding. The site also details the best action to take during a flood.

The agency hopes the service will help councils make more informed planning decisions. But critics say it could mean higher insurance premiums or even leave people unable to sell their homes.

More than two million properties are given risk ratings - though "low risk" could mean a less than a one-in-1,000 chance of being flooded in a year. The National Flood Forum said that although the maps would help potential buyers and property builders, it may lead to steeper insurance premiums and make it hard for people to sell their homes.

Some insurance industry insiders agree that premiums may rise for homeowners who are not at risk, but who share a postcode with those who are - because that is the way the map has been put together. But Association of British Insurers director general Mary Francis said the map "is a valuable resource for everyone involved in flood management".

"Property owners in areas at risk from flooding can take action to protect their homes and belongings, planning authorities can ensure development does not proceed in inappropriate locations of the floodplain, and insurers can continue to help and advise their customers on the basis of the best possible information. Flooding is a natural phenomenon that will become more frequent as climate change leads to more extreme weather conditions".

To use the flood map, visit www.environmentagency.gov.uk/subjects/flood

Green Building Press  
 

Back     Latest news from Green Building Press    Subscribe to our newsletter

1675