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Flooding Prevention and Mitigation

The floods that devastated parts of the South East of England in the summer of 2007 had catastrophic effects for many tourism businesses. In addition to the general negative effect that the floods had on the industry many businesses suffered serious physical damage.

Whilst there is nothing that can be done to prevent flooding there are actions that you can take to prepare for the possibility of floods and to mitigate against the effects of flooding.

Download the Tourism South East guide to flooding prevention and mitigation here

The government is currently undertaking a 'Lessons Learned Review' of the severe floods in the summer. An interim report was released at the end of 2007 and it can be downloaded here.

Business Link suggest that the following five steps should be taken:
- Assess the risks of flooding
- Reduce potential flood damage
- Insure your business against flooding
- Draw up a flood plan
- Train employees to deal with flooding.

Insurance

If you face a significant risk from flooding, you should make sure that you are properly insured. Flood damage is not always included in standard business insurance. You may have to buy it as an option, although it should be included as standard for small businesses outside areas of significant risk.
Insurers will not guarantee to provide cover in all circumstances.
The British Insurance Brokers' Association has a list of brokers that you can contact at http://www.biba.org.uk/consumer/findinsurance.asp.

Business Link also give comprehensive advice on what you should do after a flood. This advice can be viewed here.
Another good source of advice can be found on the Environment Agency's website here.