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Dramatic and sudden flooding has been more frequent in the last decade. Whether during summer or winter, it has resulted in the media reporting many more incidences of commercial properties and residential homes being made uninhabitable due to water damage.

The fallout from being a victim of such a disaster can be immense. Initially, flood victims need to find alternative accommodation until their property has been restored to a habitable condition; the restoration process could take as long as a year and also often proves costly.

In cases where there is little warning – such as flash flooding – many people lose valuable possessions and also sentimental items that are simply irreplaceable. The disruption to their day-to-day lives tends to be substantial and those involved in such unfortunate circumstances will inevitably suffer incredible disruption.

Many reasons have been put forward for the increased instances of flooding. Global warming is an obvious reason often suggested but trends such as paving over gardens to provide parking spaces are also cited as causing increased domestic flooding. Whatever the reason there is little an individual householder can do to prevent storms or floods, but they can prepare in advance.

If you live on a flood plain or in an area that suffers from frequent flash flooding there’s action you can take to reduce the disastrous impact of water damage on your property.

Many councils supply sandbags to householders living in flood risk areas, or alternatively you could buy your own stock. As such, these are useful to pile around the door and other vulnerable openings to your home to prevent water intrusion. But, sandbags alone may not be enough as water can penetrate property through other routes such as air holes in bricks, window and ventilation vents and through floorboards. To minimise water damage through this route, obtain a kit that includes removable air brick covers and other vent coverings.

If you live in a potential flood area and are about to refurbish your property then ensure that fixtures and fittings and floor coverings are made of flood resilient materials. For example, rather than fit expensive carpets in ground level rooms think about using ceramic quarry tiles with rug coverings instead – that way the rugs can be quickly rolled up and moved upstairs at the first sign of any flood threat.

What’s more, keeping an emergency kit nearby will help should the worst happen. Include a torch, spare batteries, battery-operated or clockwork radio, first aid kit and keep a supply of bottled water in the highest part of the property.

Of course, no person can prevent flooding. However, not only can such action help to prevent loss and damage to property; it could also reduce the premiums you pay on any flood damage insurance policy.

Andrew Regan writes for a digital marketing agency. This article has been commissioned by a client of said agency. This article is not designed to promote, but should be considered professional content.