Why are we seeing so much flooding – and what can we do about it?

As the UK has received a visit from some wild and stormy weather over the last few weeks, including Storm Dylan and Storm Ciara, which has caused chaos in some parts of the country. Scientists have warned that this severe weather is partly due to climate change and said that in the future it is something that we should come to expect more of and need to make correct preparations for it now.

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Over the last couple of weeks, the stormy weather has caused disruption to travel and to people’s lives and homes and has caused loss of life. As a country, the UK has a long way to go in being able to deal with climate change and the additional weather challenges that it brings.

Since the summer of 2007, when the UK particularly around Gloucestershire, the UK has suffered from extreme flooding every year (which in 2007 even resulted in a water treatment plant and an electricity substation being overcome with flood water leaving many homes without power and water).

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The Government says a lot has been done to prevent this from happening but there is clearly a lot more to be done, and with the world in the grip of a climate crisis, it doesn’t give us long to resolve it.

If you are worried about the rising flood waters and the storms that seem to be continually battering the country at the moment, there are things that you can do to minimise the problems that you may encounter.

One of the most important things to do is make sure that your home is insured and that your policy covers flooding. As we have seen in recent years, flooding can often happen quite quickly, giving the homeowner little time to respond or prepare. There are many people such as these insurance brokers Bath who can help you with this.

It is also important to keep up to date with advice from the environment agency and any weather warning from the Met Office. Listen to local radio or visit this site for details of flooding alerts that may affect your home or your travel plans.

It is also a good idea to keep a bag of supplies in your car in case you are stuck anywhere. Essentials such as a flask of hot tea or coffee, a blanket, some cereal bars and a portable phone charger are all essential items that you will need in an emergency situation, with the aim of keeping you comfortable as possible whilst you await help.