On the back of the horrendous flooding that is said to have cost home insurance companies more than 3 billion in claims last year, the Association of British Insurers (ABI) has demanded a 25-year strategy to manage floods in the UK.
The ABI suggests a single national body should be developed to deal with future flood crises and that there should be a significant investment programme and planning controls implemented that will reduce the impact of future flooding.
It is feared that due to the high payouts last year, many home insurance companies may discontinue their flood insurance. Already premiums have risen by as much as 40 per cent in flood risk areas.
Nearly two-thirds of residents affected by last year's floods expect to be hit again on a similar scale sometime in the future. If their fears become reality and the Government fails to take action then home insurance premiums will be driven up further - and many homeowners may be priced out of cover.
For now however, the emphasis is on homeowners to do whatever they can to reduce the threat of flooding. Prevention is the best way of avoiding claims and so it's worthwhile stocking up on sandbags and fitting floor skirts and barriers to your doors and windows that can be slid into position should a flood occur.
It's also wise to move furniture upstairs or at least reserving a place above ground level that you can move high-value items to so they are not damaged. Move sockets further up the walls too so they are above water level and keep a home emergency kit with tinned food, blankets and spare bulbs.