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With more heavy rain predicted later this week agency is driving home the cost to people of flood damage.
In new research revealed today (November 16) the agency said flooded homes are likely to lose around £28,000 compared to just over £1,000 if they are burgled.
Even the cost of fire damage to a home was on average four times less than the aftermath of a flood.
More than 100 flood warnings and watches were issued this weekend and heavy rain is expected in the North West, Wales, West Midlands and South West towards the end of this week.
The agency’s director of flood and coastal risk, Robert Runcie, said: “A flood is the perfect burglar – it enters your house uninvited and leaves nothing behind except distress and financial hardship.
“People install alarms in their home to warn of fire and burglary but surprisingly few people have taken any steps to help safeguard their home against flooding.
“Many people don’t even know whether or not they are at flood risk, we can’t always stop flooding but we can take a few simple steps to be better prepared and reduce the impact.”
Mr Runcie suggests residents and business see www.environment-agency.gov.uk/flood for more information.
Luke Walsh
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