Flood Defence Week 2025: How to prepare your home for rising flood risks

Flooding is one of the UK’s most significant and costly natural disasters. With extreme weather becoming more frequent, Flood Defence Week 2025 is the perfect time to act and protect your home from rising flood risks.

Whether you live in a high-risk area or just want to future-proof your property, this guide highlights why preparation matters, what steps you can take, and how flood defence barriers and flood defence doors can save you from devastating damage.

Why Flood Defence Week matters

Flood Defence Week is a nationwide awareness campaign designed to encourage homeowners and communities to take proactive steps against flooding.

• Over 5.5 million homes and businesses in England are at risk of flooding.
• The average cost of repairing a flooded home is estimated at £30,000–£40,000.
• Climate change is expected to increase the frequency of heavy rainfall and flash floods in the coming years.

By investing in robust flood defence systems, homeowners can reduce damage, save money on repairs, and gain peace of mind.

Step 1: Understand your home’s flood risk

The first step in any flood defence home strategy is knowing your level of risk. Use the UK Government’s online flood risk maps to check if your property is in a flood-prone zone.

Once you know your risk level, you can plan the right flood defences for houses - whether that’s installing temporary barriers or considering permanent solutions.

Step 2: Install flood defence barriers

One of the simplest yet most effective ways to protect your property is with flood defence barriers. These barriers act as a physical shield to keep water away from doorways, garages, and driveways.

We recommend Caro’s flood defence barriers for their durability, quick installation, and reliability during heavy rainfall. They’re designed to fit a variety of spaces and provide an extra layer of protection when it matters most.

Step 3: Upgrade to flood defence doors

For homes in high-risk areas, flood defence doors offer long-term protection that looks just like a standard exterior door but is fully watertight when closed.

Floodshield’s innovative flood defence doors are an excellent option for homeowners who want discreet yet powerful protection. They’re easy to install, maintenance-friendly, and proven to prevent water entry during floods.

Step 4: Maintain your flood defence systems

Having the right tools in place is only part of the battle, so regular maintenance will ensure that they’ll perform when needed.

• Inspect flood defence barriers for wear and tear after each use.
• Check seals on flood defence doors twice a year.
• Keep drains, gutters, and air bricks clear of debris to prevent water build-up.

Proactive care of your flood defence systems will extend their lifespan and improve your home’s resilience to flooding.

Step 5: Prepare an emergency plan

Even with strong flood defences for houses, it’s essential to have a plan in case water breaches your barriers.

• Keep valuables and important documents in waterproof containers.
• Prepare an emergency kit with essentials like food, water, and medication.
• Stay up to date with local flood alerts.

Being ready for all scenarios can reduce stress and help keep your family safe.

Protect your home this Flood Defence Week

This Flood Defence Week, make a commitment to protecting your property and your peace of mind. By combining awareness with practical flood defence systems like flood defence barriers and flood defence doors, you can minimise flood damage and safeguard your home for years to come.

Caro and Floodshield offer proven, high-quality solutions to help you stay dry when the rain comes. Don’t wait for the next flood warning - act now and keep your home one step ahead of rising water.

If you have any more questions regarding Flood Defence Week, or you require any additional information about the flood defence products we sell at Howarth, please visit your local Howarth branch, or contact our customer services on 01472 907051.

You can also explore our range of flood defence products here and here, and you can even visit us in branch for more information.