Some firms have not taken any precaustions, even after last year's floods and, according to the Agency, small firms are at more risk from flooding than fire.

What's more, the cost of flooding can be 30 times as much as a burglary.

The Agency says the first thing to do is to use its online postcode checker to find out whether their premises are in an area at risk.

Those who are at risk should register for the free Floodline Warnings Direct service that provides flood warnings by telephone, mobile, e-mail, fax or pager whenever a flood warning is issued in the area.

The Agency is also urging all businesses to use a template it has developed to create a flood plan, as those not at risk of river or coastal flooding can still be affected by surface water flooding if drainage systems are unable to deal with intense rainfall.

The plan should include a list of important contacts, a map showing key equipment, protective materials and service shut-off points, and basic strategies to protect property, ensure staff safety and minimise business disruption if a flood occurs.

Questions businesses should ask themselves include:

• Does my insurance policy cover all types of flooding?




• Do we understand the different flood warning codes and what they mean in practice? Are staff familiar with safety procedures?




• Do we all know how to shut off gas, electric and water supplies?




• Can we store valuable equipment and stock above flood level or take other protective action?




• Are there any flood protection products we should be using?

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