Member Article

Over Half of Homeowners Unprepared for Possible Flooding This Winter.

New research has found that despite the damage caused to homes during the floods of last winter over half (50.9%) of Brits have no plans in place should there be widespread flooding again this year.

The survey carried out by MyPrivateArk the world’s first flood free guaranteed flood defence system also revealed that 90% of people would be unwilling to buy a property that was at risk of flooding. Yet only 65% of UK homeowners are actually carrying out flood risk checks before purchasing a new home. Whilst those renting properties seem less likely to actively seek flooding information before moving. Responses found only 21% of prospective tenants researched the flood risk of the property before putting down a deposit.

Over two thirds of tenants who have lived in rental properties that have flooded claim their landlords failed to mention the flood risks when initially viewing the property and were surprised at the damage left after flooding. The problem also affects landlords, with some landlords having to pay out of their own pocket for repairs and replacement furniture last year 88% say they have taken extra precautions to prevent and protect their tenants homes from future water damage.

Flood insurance should be a priority for homeowners, however, it would seem that only four in ten homeowners have it in place. Of the 60% who are not insured for flooding, the main reasons cited for not buying flood insurance included unaffordably high premiums (45%) and homeowners assuming their homes wouldn’t flood, as well as ignoring the risk of flash flooding (15%).

45% of homeowners were unaware of the steps they could take to minimise flood damage. For instance covering electrical goods with large sealable bags, removing valuable and sentimental items from the lower half of the house and ensuring the safety of personal and financial documents are all key to minimising the effects flooding can have on your home.

Apart from the property damage left behind during the storms last year UK residents saw some unusual debris on their streets. The ongoing list of odd items found out and about included false teeth, a crib, litter trays and car number plates.

Alexis Smith, Founder and CEO of MyPrivateArk Comments: “Unfortunately many current flood defence systems are ineffective and insurance premiums for those in areas that are prone to flooding are unaffordable. Homeowners are stuck in properties they are unable to sell but also unable to insure.

“Flooding can happen to anyone at any time. Just because you have not previously experienced flooding in the area does not mean you will not in the future and it’s imperative that people take steps to protect their properties through every means available.

At My Private Ark we have developed a system that is guaranteed to protect properties from flooding. We have also created software that is able to predict which roads will flood and when, this software is the first of it’s kind. Flooding doesn’t have to be an inevitable event you can’t control.“

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by VP .