With the UK facing increasingly extreme weather conditions, including heavier rainfall, stronger winds, and more frequent storms, flooding has become a growing concern for millions of homeowners and businesses. In England and Wales alone, over 6.5 million properties are at risk of flooding, and the effects of climate change mean this number is set to rise significantly in the coming decade.
The charity Carbon Copy is calling for heightened awareness and proactive flood planning, urging not only government intervention but also action from communities and households to protect their properties from the devastating effects of floodwaters. As part of their “25 Big Local Actions in 2025” campaign, the charity has released a detailed analysis highlighting the urgent need for flood protection measures.
Isabelle Sparrow, Head of Communications at Carbon Copy and host of the Carbon Copy Podcast, stressed the importance of taking steps to safeguard against flooding. “Flooding can cause such devastation to people’s lives, and yet many of us are entirely unprepared and unprotected against it,” she said. “We take precautions for fires and have security systems to deter burglars – why is flooding still so often ignored when it comes to managing risks?”
Sparrow also pointed out the significant costs associated with flood damage. “The average cost to repair a property damaged by floods is £30,000, with some repairs reaching as high as £45,000,” she added. “By comparison, the average loss due to burglary is around £4,000. Clearly, there is a strong case for people to invest in flood protection and put plans in place to minimise the impact of a flooding event.”
Statistics reveal that around 240,000 incidents of burglary were reported across England and Wales in 2024, affecting fewer than one in 100 homes. In contrast, one in six properties are currently at risk of flooding, making it clear that the need for flood preparedness is far more urgent.
Mary Long-Dhonau OBE, better known as Flood Mary, has extensive experience in flood recovery and prevention. Speaking on the latest episode of the Carbon Copy Podcast, she shared her expertise on how to reduce flood damage through simple home adaptations. “The average person who hasn’t made flood adaptations can be out of their home for about nine months following a flood,” she explained. “In 2007, some were out for up to two years due to the sheer volume of properties that were flooded. But those who have adapted – with waterproof plaster, solid flooring, and raised electric sockets – can pump out the water and continue living in their homes without needing to make a costly insurance claim.”
Flood Mary also offered advice on outdoor adaptations, stressing the importance of working with nature to reduce flood risk. “If we pave over everything, we are encouraging flooding. But by adding water-thirsty plants and trees in our gardens, we can absorb more water and reduce the risk of floods,” she explained. “Nature can be your friend in preventing flooding.”
With the growing threat of flooding in the UK, being prepared is crucial. Carbon Copy encourages individuals to take proactive steps, both inside and outside their homes, to reduce their flood risk. For further information and to listen to the full podcast episode “Take Flood Action,” visit Carbon Copy’s website.
