Homeowners are fearful of the increased risk of flooding in the UK but admit they are baffled by information available to them, new research reveals today.
Homeowners are fearful of the increased risk of flooding in the UK but admit they are baffled by information available to them, new research reveals today.
One in five Brits has been or knows someone who have been affected by flooding and almost a third worry more about flooding than they did 12 months ago.
Yet more than 90 per cent of homeowners in some of the country’s highest flood risk areas admit they haven’t taken even the simplest of steps to protect their property – such as moving valuables upstairs – and say they don’t really know what measures they can take.
Norwich Union’s "Flood Fear Forecast" study reveals a nation waking up to the increased threat from flooding. According to the Environment Agency, two million homes and 185,000 businesses in England and Wales are now at risk.* They also predict that there is likely to be a ten fold increase in the risk of flooding over the next century.
The insurer commissioned research amongst 2,200 residents across the country, including 1,200 residents in some of the nation’s flood-risk areas.
The study also revealed:
- Many homeowners are confused about the information available on floods. Three-quarters of people who live in high risk areas said there are no flood defences in place or planned for the future to protect their property
- Nearly 70 per cent do not think that flood defences provide adequate protection against flooding
- 77 per cent of people are worried that not enough is being been done about flooding and sufficient progress hasn’t been made by Government in the past 12 months
- To help avoid confusion and really understand the risk of flood, the majority of people (more than 90 per cent) say more information should be made available to potential home buyers
- One in five people in high flood risk areas have or would consider joining a local action group to lobby the Government about flooding
John Smeaton, head of property underwriting for Norwich Union, said: “Britain needs to adapt to the danger of flooding because the scale of the problem in recent years has escalated to unprecedented levels.
“Whilst progress has been made by the Government, flooding is still a real risk to the UK as many thousands of homeowners have unfortunately found out in the last few years. It’s understandable that people feel confused and concerned. But they can take steps to help protect their homes from flooding, as well as lobby for change in their area.”
Through its "Home and Dry" pack, Norwich Union is encouraging property owners and tenants - both flood victims and people living in high risk areas – to join the fight against floods and form their own action groups.
Norwich Union’s free "Home and Dry" action pack includes information about:
- where responsibility lies locally and centrally for flood and coastline defences
- the role of a local flood action group, and an example of one in action
- how to set up a local flood action group and attract members
- how to contact local MPs/MSPs and other official bodies
- dealing with the media
- useful contact numbers and practical tips on what to do in the event of a flood
Peter Barnett, chairman of the National Flood Forum, said: “This research shows that one in five residents have already joined or would consider joining a local flood action group. Our experience shows that, collectively, people can make a real difference at a local level. Therefore we continue to campaign to encourage homeowners to form action groups in the fight for flood defences in their area.
“We believe the best way for local communities to mitigate the effects of flooding is to work in co-operation with the various agencies that are involved at local and national level. Norwich Union’s campaign helps communities understand the need for active local participation and we support this initiative.”
For a free copy of Norwich Union’s "Home and Dry" action pack, call 0800 093 0303. More information is also available at http://www.norwichunion.com/home_and_dry
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Media contacts:
Matt Buchanan, Anick Purmessur, Marie-Claire Rees at QBO Bell Pottinger on 020 7861 2424 or Liz Kennett at Norwich Union Press Office on 08703 666683
Notes to Editors:
Norwich Union commissioned research amongst 2,200 adults across the country, including 1,200 residents in eight key flood-risk areas. Interviews took place between 5-18 February 2003
* Source: Environment Agency "Flood Facts", September 2002
Norwich Union has been involved in a number of initiatives to help find solutions to problems of flooding. For example, the insurer has commissioned a digital map of Britain to help pinpoint and understand exactly which areas of the country are at risk from river flooding. The map will be used to provide more accurate premiums for individual homes and businesses according to their risk of flood.
Norwich Union is the UK’s largest insurer with a market share of around 16 per cent and is more than 1.5 times the size of its nearest rival. It is also the largest personal lines insurer.
It has a focus on insurance for individuals and small businesses. It insures:
- one in five households
- one in five motor vehicles
- more than 700,000 businesses
Norwich Union products are available through a variety of distribution channels including brokers, corporate partners such as banks and building societies and Norwich Union Direct.
- Norwich Union’s news releases are available on the Aviva plc website at www.aviva.com
- A selection of images is available from the Norwich Union Newscast site at www.newscast.co.uk
- An ISDN facility is available for studio quality interviews. Call the press office on 08703 66 68 68
For all life & pensions media enquiries 08703 66 68 73
For all other media enquiries 08703 66 68 68
The National Flood Forum was started in 2002 by people affected by flooding and is building a national network of community flood groups. The Forum offers support and information to both groups and individuals, and will help people to form a flood group.
The National Flood Forum, 5 Beale's Corner, Bewdley, Worcs DY12 1AF. Tel: 01299 403055. Media contact: Di Keal on 01653 694546, e-mail: di.keal@floodforum.org.uk