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Property flood resilience: Flood-proof your home

30,000 of us live in homes at risk of flooding in Surrey. By 2050 the number is projected to be 50,000 homes. Be it river flooding, surface water flooding, or both, it is key that we collectively mitigate and adapt to this risk. 

Flood risk is mapped out across Surrey to highlight which areas face the most severe threat of loss and damage.

Caterham on the Hill and Old Coulsdon are in the ‘very high’ risk category. 162 properties in these areas have been fitted with Property Flood Resilience (PFR) measures by Surrey County Council.  These measures were fitted between 2021-2023, and currently work is being completing on similar projects in other areas of the County including Alfold Crossways, Reigate and Smallfield.

On average, to address all the ingress points that water may enter a property during a flood costs around £15,000. Work to date has been funded via the Environment Agency’s Grant Aid Programme. The types of measure which can help build resilience to flooding in your property include flood doors and barriers, non-return valves and auto-closing air bricks, repointing and repair to brickwork, and sump pumps. This is a key work stream to support residents, and protecting your home from floodwater can:

  • Reduce costly damage to residents’ homes and livelihoods
  • Prevent severe mental health impacts associated with the flooding of our homes
  • Reduce the cost of flood repairs by up to 73%
  • Protect our clean water supply by preventing ‘backflow’
  • Ensure you get back into your home more quickly after a flooding incident

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