Resilience Measures

The use of water resilient products, materials and paints on walls can reduce the severity of internal damage. Plasterboard can also be installed horizontally, so only the lowest sections are affected if flooding occurs.

Suspended timber floors, which are more susceptible to damage, can be replaced with solid concrete floors. Tiled floors and skirting boards are also easier to clean compared to carpet and laminate which usually need replacing after a flood event.

The electrics for the ground floor can be separated from other floors so power to the ground floor can be turned off in isolation. In addition, electrical wiring can be installed from the ceiling down and plugs can be raised up above the flood level to reduce the risk of the electrics being damaged during a flood event. All works must be approved by a certified electrician.

Boilers can be relocated to a place where flood risk is reduced. For example, boilers could be wall mounted above the flood level or re-installed on the first floor rather than the ground floor. This will reduce the risk of the boiler being damaged during a flood event.

Rooms in the home can be designed and constructed using flood resilient materials and appliances can be fitted in a way that minimises the risk of flood damage. For example, a kitchen is a great location where resilient design can be embraced:

• Cupboards constructed from stainless steel or other resilient materials
• Use of wall mounted cupboards
• Removable kickboards
• Appliances such as ovens can be installed above flood level.

These same principles can be carried throughout to other rooms in the property.

The storage of valuable or personal items should be carefully considered throughout the ground floor. Can items be stored on the first floor away from danger or on shelves or bookcases above the flood level?