Erewash residents and businesses urged to plan for flood risk

As Summer draws to a close, Erewash Borough Council is advising residents and business owners who have previously been affected by autumn and winter flooding to check that they are properly insured – and have a personal emergency plan ready in case the worst happens.

Borough Council leader, James Dawson backed guidance from the Environment Agency that people need to be prepared before the mild weather turns. 

He said: “We may not have had the most glorious of summers – but because the past months have been relatively dry there is a danger that residents have been lulled into a false sense of security.

"Remember, the worst of the flooding we experienced last year happened in October when Ilkeston [Charter] Fair was on – not the depths of winter. Local people need to be aware that now is the time to act. Don’t wait until it is too late.”

A personal flood plan should include a checklist of things to do if there is a threat of homes being swamped and residents are advised to leave their property by the Environment Agency.

Doing this includes knowing where to shut off gas, electricity and water supplies. Comprehensive information on flood planning can be found at gov.uk.

The Environment Agency also suggests having a flood kit with spare clothes and a torch. Important documents can be kept in it.

Practical steps for safeguarding properties can be found here.

Homeowners can get insurance advice from the National Flood Forum or MoneyHelper – while those living in a flood-risk area can find lower-cost home insurance through Flood Re. 

There is also the option to find a broker that specialises in properties that are difficult to insure.

Householders should check if their insurer is part of Flood Re’s Build Back Better scheme – which offers up to £10,000 when properties are repaired after flooding to help guard against future flood damage.

Tenants are urged to find out what kind of insurance their landlords have – since it may not cover personal items. Read the ‘How to rent’ guide by the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government for more information.

Firms can also get advice from the National Flood Forum on insurance for small businesses.

The authority in charge during major flooding is Derbyshire County Council. Its website is packed with advice – and there is more information on the borough council’s own pages here.

The county council described last October’s Storm Babet flooding as “unprecedented” – but experts warn that climate change is fuelling the threat of something similar happening again.