According to the Environment Agency (EA), the Scottish Environment Protection Agency (SEPA) and Northern Ireland’s Rivers Agency, there are over 5 million properties in the United Kingdom at risk for flooding. Forecasting floods largely depends on the type and nature of the events that trigger them, such as when and where a storm will hit or how much rain it will bring. Short periods of intense rainfall can create flash floods, in which the rain falls so fast that the underlying ground cannot drain it away fast enough. Roads can become like rivers and sweep away cars, and buildings can be flooded. These are particularly dangerous as there is very little warning between the rain falling and the flash flood occurring. Longer periods of heavy, widespread rain and storm surges can cause coastal flooding.
Be aware of flood hazards no matter where you live or work, but especially if you live or work in low-lying
areas, near bodies of water or downstream from a dam. Even very small streams, creeks or low-lying ground that appears harmless in dry weather can flood.

This article and downloadable toolkit will help:

• Are You Prepared for Heavy Rains and Floods?

• Preparing Your Business for Flooding

• Restoring Your Business After a Flood

• Business Flood Preparation Checklist

• Business Flood Plan

Discover more by downloading our Business Flooding Toolkit here.