ABI Calls For More "Resilient" Homes

The Association of British Insurers (ABI) has called on the government to ensure that new homes are less likely to be affected by inclement weather conditions.

Following recent flooding, which saw many people in affected areas making claims on their home insurance policies, the ABI's director general said that although the country needs new houses, they should be designed the correct way.

"These new homes must not be built on our floodplains and they must be designed so that they are more resilient against extreme weather," he argued.

Development of new houses should not create a new risk while the country has yet to respond fully to the most recent problems, he added.

The devastation caused by the recent floods shows the importance of planning for the future. We need a fresh approach to house building to take account of the increasing risk of flooding and to ensure sustainable communities. New homes should not be built in high-risk areas of the floodplain. They must be planned and designed with flooding in mind, with greater use of flood-resilient building materials.

While the country is recovering from major flooding, it is unlikely that a "wise" property developer would now build homes on a land prone to flooding. The Government's decision to cut spending on flood defences last years was "incredibly short-sighted."

Top tips to stop your home being flooded:

•    Check the Environment Agency's flood warning services to see if your area if at risk.
•    Check your buildings and contents insurance policy to confirm you are covered for flooding.
•    Make sure you know how to turn off gas, electricity and water.
•    Prepare a kit of essential items – copies of important documents, torch, spare batteries, portable radio, warm water proof clothing and blankets, first aid kit, bottled water and food that won’t go off.
•    Make an emergency plan in the event of a flood. Know how you will get out of the house and who you will contact.
•    Move any valuable belongings to a safer site.

If you would like to know more about house building why not ask AnswerBank Home and Garden.