Flood website is a timely lifeline (From Evesham Journal)

Flood website is a timely lifeline

8:00am Wednesday 4th July 2012 in News

A NEW interactive website could offer people at risk of flooding a timely lifeline with the fifth anniversary of the floods of 2007 this month.

The Flood Protection Association (FPA) has launched an online hub bringing together the latest information, flood warnings and a special helpline.

It will also offer guidance on how to protect property, how to assess flood risk, as well as recommending suppliers of types of protection products.

The FPA’s chairman Mary Dhonau, who lives in Worcester, said: “Flooding is one of the biggest threats this country faces and this summer could be the wettest we’ve seen for a decade.

“As many as 5.5 million people live with the threat of flooding in the UK and I was a flood victim myself.

“You can’t put a price-tag on losing the things that matter most to you and your family.

That’s why flooding is known as the silent, indiscriminate burglar.

With the Flood Insurance Statement of Principles – the gentleman’s agreement between the Government and Association of British Insurers – expiring in 2013, homeowners and businesses face even more uncertainty of whether they will get flood insurance.

“As a result, people will be expected to protect their own property. Our website aims to help homes and businesses be flood resilient by providing a hub of information on how to prevent or reduce damage caused by flooding.

“It is vital that people are aware of the risks and are properly prepared.”

For more information, log on to thefpa.org.uk.