Fernco - Time for Action on Flooding
Just weeks on from the series of storms that have reaped havoc across much of England and Wales, the Environment Agency has published new flood risk data in England. The new figures in England suggest 6.3 million properties in England are at risk of flooding from rivers, the sea, or surface water. This represents a 43% increase on the Environment Agency’s previous assessment, made in 2018, underscoring the pressing need for enhanced flood resilience across the nation.
Using advanced data and modelling, the National Assessment of Flood Risk (NaFRA) now provides a clearer picture of current and future flood risks. However, this stark clarity also calls for action. The government is investing £1 billion in the next 12 months to fund flood defences in a national scaling up effort being delivered by the Environment Agency. But more must be done on a local level.
The local impact of flooding.
Recent storms, including Conall, Darragh, and Bert, have left a trail of devastation, with the impacts reaching far beyond affected regions. For many communities, the immediate response to flooding often falls to local authorities, activists, and builders’ merchants, who provide essential supplies and expertise. Yet, despite their crucial role, they are so often missed from national policy frameworks and absent in terms of funding when it comes to flooding. If we are to create truly impactful flooding policy, this needs to change.
The updated NaFRA data shows that 4.6 million properties are at risk from surface water flooding, the most common type of flooding caused by overwhelmed drainage systems. Addressing this challenge requires not only robust national strategies but also grassroots-level collaboration to ensure quick and effective responses.
Fernco: Supporting communities through collaboration.
At Fernco, we understand that dealing with floodwater is the ultimate challenge. As a trusted supplier of flood protection products, we are committed to partnering with builders’ merchants and local authorities to provide essential resources that help communities respond swiftly and effectively to flood events.
Our range of quick, simple, and effective flood protection products is designed to safeguard homes and businesses, minimizing the devastating impacts of flooding. However, our commitment goes beyond product supply. We are dedicated to raising awareness about flood safety and ensuring that these vital products are accessible in vulnerable areas.
Building a resilient future.
As the frequency and intensity of storms increase due to climate change, the need for coordinated action has never been greater. A national strategy that integrates local stakeholders, suppliers, and community groups is essential to:
Equip local authorities and communities with the resources they need to respond to flood risks.
Enhance accessibility to flood protection products for those most at risk, including the elderly and disabled.
Promote proactive measures that mitigate the effects of flash floods and other flooding events.
At Fernco, we’re committed to working collaboratively with merchants and local authorities to supply vital flood protection products that protect communities when they most need it. By ensuring that builders’ merchants are well-stocked and local authorities are well-equipped, we aim to protect more people and properties from the devastating impacts of flooding.
A Call to Action
Flood resilience is a shared responsibility. From national policies to local actions, every stakeholder has a role to play in protecting communities from the growing threat of floods. At Fernco, we remain steadfast in our commitment to supporting this mission, ensuring that no community is left unprepared when the waters rise.
Contact: +44 (0) 1226 340 222
sales@fernco.co.uk