Surface water flooding quickly causes tens of thousands of pounds water damage in homes
FloodSax alternative sandbags hold water back from the outside
FloodSax absorb water leaking in through roofs and windows to prevent flood damage
FloodSax come in vacuum packs which are space-saving to store
Massive rise in the number of homes and businesses facing risk of surface water flooding
More than 4.5 million homes and businesses in England are now in danger from surface water flooding … a figure that’s almost doubled in just six years.
The worrying statistics have been released by the Environment Agency in its first major assessment of flooding risk since 2018 using the very latest technical data and it warns that flooding is only going to worsen for more and more people.
Around 4.6 million properties are in areas at risk of flooding from surface water where there is so much rainwater that drainage systems are overwhelmed, causing surface water runoff which is also known as flash flooding.
This is a 43% increase on the Environment Agency’s previous assessment in 2018.
The overall flooding figures includes flood risk from rivers, the sea and surface water for England with a total of 6.3 million properties facing this hazard.
With climate change, the total number of properties in areas at risk from rivers and the sea or surface water could increase to around 8 million by the middle of the century – or around one in four properties.
Local authorities have no responsibility to provide sandbags or any other flood prevention devices.
This is why many homes and businesses now have FloodSax so they are ready for external flooding or escapes of water inside. Both cause tens of thousands of pounds of damage and often force people out of their properties for months while costly repairs are carried out.
FloodSax are way better than sandbags because they are so multi-use and far more environmentally friendly. In their dry state they are very flat with a large surface area so are ideal to soak up leaks, drips, spills and floods such as beneath sinks, below boilers and even underneath pipes under floorboards. FloodSax will also absorb water leaking in through roofs and windows.
To transform FloodSax into instant sandbags, simply immerse them fully in water and the gelling polymer inside the FloodSax absorbs and retains the water, transforming the FloodSax into an instant sandless sandbag which is a uniform shape so they are easy to handle and stack.
Lucy Bailey from FloodSax said: “The latest Environment Agency statistics make worrying reading and show that just about any property is at risk from surface water flooding at any time.
“All it takes is blocked drains or a burst water main and people can have floodwater pouring into their home or business. It’s always best to be prepared for flooding 24 hours a day, seven days a week and having FloodSax is one very cost-effective way to do that as they are so space-saving to store yet quick and easy to deploy.”
Director of Flood Risk Strategy at the Environment Agency Julie Foley said: “We have spent the last few years transforming our understanding of flood and coastal erosion risk in England, drawing on the best available data from the Environment Agency and local authorities, as well as improved modelling and technological advances.
“Our updated assessment shows there are 6.3 million properties in England in areas at risk of flooding from rivers, the sea or surface water. When we account for the latest climate projections, one in four properties could be in areas at risk of flooding by the middle of the century.
“Providing the nation with the best available information on flood and coastal erosion risk is vital to ensuring that policy makers, practitioners and communities are ready to adapt to flooding and coastal change.”
The Environment Agency will also update its digital services in early 2025, the key one being Check your long term flood risk for an area in England. This service is used by the public to identify the long-term flood risk for their area.
In spring 2025, the Environment Agency will update its Flood map for planning, used by planners and developers to find the data they need to undertake a flood risk assessment for a planning application.
Among the ways the Environment Agency is adapting its plans is through its £200m flood and coastal innovation programmes, in which projects are demonstrating how practical innovative actions can improve resilience to flooding and coastal erosion in a changing climate.
For more information on FloodSax, which retail at around £140 for a box of 20 with five in four vacuum packs, go to Floodsax are the original and best alternative sandbags for flood protection and flood mitigation