11 April 2008
Thousands of homes hit by last summer's floods remain vulnerable to further disaster, an insurance company survey has found.
Of 1,500 people surveyed by Norwich Union, 95% had not secured their homes against further flood damage. Many believed there was nothing they could do.
Simon Black, head of flood mapping at Norwich Union, which has produced a digital map to help pinpoint the risk of river flooding to individual properties, said: 'We believe that everyone has a responsibility to help reduce the risk of flood damage. That includes the government, with continued investment in flood defences, and the homeowner.
'No insurance policy will be able to spare families the inconvenience and stress of being forced from their homes while it is being dried out and repaired.'
Mary Dhonau, chief executive of the National Flood Forum, said: 'The findings of this report have shocked me because there is so much more people can do than using the humble, not to mention ineffective, sandbag. Adapting or altering your home can significantly lessen the practical and emotional impact of flood.'
PFapr2008
