What Homeowners Can Do:
Make Your Home More Flood-Resilient
Flooding is becoming more frequent and severe across the UK, but there are practical steps you can take to reduce the damage and bounce back more quickly.
Know Your Flood Risk
To assess the long-term flood risk for your property, you can use the official government service provided by the Environment Agency:
Check the long-term flood risk for an area in England
This service allows you to enter your postcode to view flood risk information, including:
Risk from rivers and the sea
Risk from surface water
Risk from reservoirs
Risk from groundwater (where data is available)
Please note: These maps provide a general indication of flood risk in an area and may not be accurate at an individual property level.
You can also sign up for free flood alerts by text, email, or phone through the Environment Agency.
Take Low-Cost Resilience Measures
Use tiled flooring downstairs to make clean-up easier after flooding. Alternatively, consider hardwood floorboards – but seek advice to ensure suitability for your property.
Raise electrical fixtures above potential flood levels, including sockets, light switches, and the fuse box. Wall-mount TVs and place other electronics on high shelves.
Separate upstairs and downstairs circuits to reduce the risk of a total power loss in a flood.
Fit non-return valves on appliances, sinks, toilets, baths, and showers to prevent dirty water backing up during a flood.
Install flood-resilient skirting boards – PVC or Accoya wood are good options as they can be removed, dried, and refitted easily.
Place white goods and boilers on raised plinths or platforms to keep them above flood water.
Seal gaps around doors and windows using waterproof sealant. Check the exterior of your home and repoint any cracked or crumbling brickwork.
Seal service entry points (e.g. where pipes and cables enter walls) with a flexible, waterproof sealant instead of cement – it will better accommodate movement and temperature changes.
Prepare Your Home for Quick Recovery
Store important documents and valuables upstairs or in waterproof containers.
Fit easily washable wall coverings (e.g., lime plaster, or waterproof paints).
Keep a flood kit ready: include torches, chargers, medicines, documents, and spare clothes.
Make a Flood Plan
Know how to turn off electricity, gas, and water.
Agree on a safe place to go if you need to evacuate.
Share your plan with family and neighbours.
Grants and Funding for PFR
There are currently no standard grants available to help make your home more flood resilient.
However, in the event of a major flood, the government may release emergency funding known as the DEFRA Property Flood Resilience (PFR) Grant. This funding is not guaranteed and depends on how many properties in an area have been affected. It is the responsibility of the Local Authority to apply for the grant on behalf of the community and to administer it. The Local Authority have no influence over the criteria within the Grant.
If your property floods, it is crucial that you report it to your Local Authority.
This helps ensure they have an accurate record of the number of homes affected, which increases the chances of qualifying for government support.
What Grants are available if you flood?
The Property Flood Resilience (PFR) Grant offers up to £5,000 (incl. VAT) per eligible property to fund flood resilience measures.
Who Can Apply?
Homes in England that suffered internal flood damage during a recognized flood event
Must be the primary residence (landlords are eligible if the property is rented and flooded)
Apply through your local authority’s website
What Can It Fund?
Flood doors, barriers, and air brick covers
Non-return valves and sump pumps
Waterproof floors, walls, insulation, and plaster
Raised sockets, boilers, and appliances
Sealing and tanking measures
How to Apply
Check eligibility with your local council
Arrange a Flood Risk Assessment (surveyors may be listed on Blue Pages)
Get at least two quotes for the recommended works
Submit application with survey and quotes
Install approved measures after approval
Watch deadlines – there are time limits to apply and complete the work
ALSO THROUGH YOUR LOCAL AUTHORITY –
Flooded households in eligible affected areas, who can apply for up to £500 cash to help with immediate costs.
Company Reviews
The National Flood Forum are unable to recommend any individual companies.
However we can make the following suggestions:
Look for CIWEM-accredited installers or surveyors.
Check online reviews—such as those on Trustpilot— or Google Reviews to see what other customers have experienced.
To use Google Review Go to Google.com
Search for the business name
On the right-hand side (or top of mobile), you’ll see the business profile.
Scroll to the section titled “Reviews” or “Google reviews.”
Click “See all reviews” to read full customer feedback.
