Britain can no longer rely on large-scale flood defences to protect itself from extreme weather, according to a Doctor from The University of Manchester.
Dr Angela Connelly, who has recently been researching new flood protection technologies, claims that small stands tall when it comes to protecting themselves from a flood.
“Flood doors, flood guards, non-return valves and perimeter barriers are becoming a crucial tool to counter flooding caused by intense rainfall,” said Doctor Connelly.
“However not enough people or organisations are aware of these technologies, how to use them and what they can, and cannot do.
“The appalling storms battering Britain are bringing flood misery to people living in many parts of the country.” she continued. “But when the clean-up really does start, those people so badly affected will want to know if there is more that can be done to deal with future threats.”
Using the research by doctors at the Manchester universities, the Environment agency has released a six-step guide to protecting your home from flooding.
“To address this problem, myself and colleagues have designed new guidance on how to use these measures. It is aimed at local authorities, property owners, and flood risk professionals in England,” she said.
The six step process, which has just launched online, guides users on how to implement new flood resilience technologies from surveying the property, through to design and maintenance.
The guide was created by doctors from the University of Manchester and Manchester Metropolitan University, as well as Stephen Gavin, of the Building Research Development.
“Based on the latest research and working with industry partners, our guidance simplifies the process and shares best practice,” Doctor Connelly said.
“We hope this guidance achieves the longer term goal of improving the route to market for innovative technology in order to help make buildings more resilient to future flooding.”
The guide is now available at www.smartfloodprotection.com.
Image courtesy of freefotouk, via Flickr, with thanks.
