Protecting against flooding

Some insurance companies are asking people who are claiming for flood damage to their homes to provide information about what Hull City Council is doing to guard against flooding in the future.
The council, in partnership with other local authorities in the Humber region, has already been recognised by the Beacon Scheme – which identifies excellence and innovation in local government – for its preparations in the event of river flooding.
And since the 2007 floods, which were caused by excessive rainfall, the council has enhanced the city's flood protection by:

• completing a Strategic Flood Risk Assessment to ensure new buildings are constructed in the right locations, higher off the ground, and include features that minimise the risk of flood damage, such as concrete floors, raised electric circuits and sockets, flood gates to doors and air brick covers
• introducing measures for surface water storage, such as using car parks and raising and lowering land levels to direct surface water away from buildings
• working with other partners in the EU to reduce the flood risk to key European ports
• working with partner organisations, including the emergency services, the Environment Agency and Yorkshire Water, to review and improve its emergency planning procedures.
  As part of this work, the council has sent every resident a copy of its 'Let's Get Ready' booklet, which explains how to plan ahead to minimise the impact of flooding

Still having problems? More than a year on, some homes are experiencing delayed damage as a result of 'secondary' flooding. Such residents should phone 300300 or visit their local Customer Service Centre, where staff can pass their details on to the relevant area teams for action.

For more advice on emergency planning visit www.hullcc.gov.uk or call 300300