AS heavy rain hit parts of the Warrington area today experts at the Property Care Association warned that some homes could be at risk from flash flooding.
Months of dry weather and high temperatures have dried out large swathes of land, meaning any heavy rain will be unable to soak into the ground and will likely run off, resulting in flash floods.
The national trade body is urging anyone who fears they may be at risk to check advice on its website about flood risk, prevention, damage and repair.
James Berry is deputy CEO at the PCA. He said: “Flooding is unpredictable, particularly when heavy rain follows months of dry, hot weather.
“It is crucial to understand your flood risk and to think about what you can do to minimise that risk – consider action plans and having emergency kits ready to keep your family, pets, colleagues and neighbours safe.
“If flash flooding hits your property, be ready for swift action, try to record the event by taking photographs and check you have insurance documents and other precious items stored in a safe place upstairs.”
The PCA’s website hosts a series of flooding guidance for homeowners covering flood risk, insurance and damage repair: www.property-care.org/homeowners/advice/flood-protection/
Buildings that have been flooded in the past may be at risk of further flooding in the future.
The PCA also has guidance on flood protection systems which can make buildings less likely to flood, or easier, quicker and less expensive to recover if they are flooded again.
James Berry added: “The road to recovery after a flood can be long and stressful.
“Delivering flood resilience and resistance is a specialist job and it is vital that the right things are done at the right time by the right people.
“The PCA’s Flood Protection Group specialise in flood protection and remediation, and we highly recommend anyone affected by flooding, or who believes they have a high flood risk, contacts a member of the group for advice.”
