Climate disasters are on the rise around the world, and the danger of flooding has become all too real for families, communities and businesses regardless of where they are in the world. However, in the UK alone, around 1.9 million people live in areas classified as being at high risk of flooding.
This is true everywhere form coastal regions to rural areas and urban landscapes where water is essentially trapped under asphalt and, forgive the pun, on the rise. With this in mind, flood protection solutions, like our flood barriers, are more necessary than ever to protect whole communities.
There isn't a one-size-fits-all approach when it comes to disaster protection. The UK has a unique geography and climate to take into account when it comes to flood protection and even within that, the same solutions can't be generically applied to Dublin as to Whitstable for example. But with a seemingly overwhelming list of factors to take into account, where can one start to bolster protection? Let’s get into the details:
The United Kingdom is interesting in that it's made up of a set of islands with vast stretches of coastline. It also has a wide-reaching river network, as well as low-lying terrain across many parts of the country. This increases the risk of pluvial flooding.
By considering these factors, flood barriers and defence systems can be refined to help you meet the needs of your area and your community. As another example, Geodesign flood barriers can be applied on uneven or hilly terrains which can be found along most of the coastline, where sandbags are not an effective solution.
As the environment continues to be impacted by global warming, floods are on the rise. 2024 saw heavy flooding in Southern England, East Anglia and the Midlands as just one example.
Increased rainfall and river overflow levels (thanks to climate change) resulted in hundreds of homes being evacuated, as well as major damage to property, vehicles, homes and pet playgrounds. At the same time, rising sea levels are heightening the threat of flooding in coastal areas such as Rhondda Cynon Taf in Wales, putting them at a higher risk of erosion and flooding.
As flood risk escalates, it's important to deploy the right flood defence measures that take climate conditions – both current and in the years to come – into account.
If we look at the UK’s varying geography, it makes sense that regulations around flood protection are region-specific. Different areas face different threats and have different levels of vulnerability as a result.
Local authorities, as well as the Environment Agency, are responsible for implementing regulations to protect homes and help mitigate threats against flood damage. These measures can include flood barriers, sustainable drainage systems, and flood-resistant building materials. As a result, it might be a compliance issue for your business or insurance broker if you aren't protected.
Flood defence is by no means a recent concept in the UK. Our ancient ancestors also faced extreme weather conditions at times, leading to devastating flood damage. Evidence can still be seen of medieval embankments built to protect Roman London and other areas.
Modern flood protection solutions are informed by history, but created with the benefit of the advanced technology we have today. For example, London has a long history of major flooding and flood defence attempts but now, with advancement in durable materials and a deeper understanding of climate behaviour, our solutions can be more effective than the relics of old.
After the particularly devastating North Sea Flood of 1953, investigations began to protect the city, culminating in the completion of the Thames Barrier in 1982 — a moveable flood barrier which can be adjusted according to the tides. Now you can follow suit and bring modern technology into your home or work landscape with greater ease and storability.
The impact of flooding is felt deeply by the communities that bear the brunt of the damage. By encouraging community-wide education and preparation, effective flood defence systems help to protect against injury, potentially significant damage to properties, or even loss of life.
Proactive preparation of flood defences such as Geodesign's innovative and durable flood barriers means the public can effectively safeguard against this seemingly insurmountable threat. A good example of this is how. over the Christmas period in 2023, the Environmental Agency implemented temporary flood barrier systems in Shropshire as a response to heavy rainfall warnings. As a result, the UNESCO World Heritage site, local businesses and private homes were protected from the 6.33 metre rise in river levels.
The UK has always been susceptible to flooding because of its river networks and vast coastlines. Adding the effects of global warming to the equation highlights the growing need for flood defences even more. Upgrading your flood protection is a smart way to avoid the financial and emotional toll flooding can take on everybody involved.
Geodesign Barriers have been innovatively designed with maximum protection and easy installation in mind. Having robust flood protection measures in place provides peace of mind in the face of danger.
The current cost of flood damage in the UK is £700 million a year, and is expected to rise as weather conditions change. People are impacted not only financially, but emotionally and psychologically too. Simple measures like flood barriers have been proven to safeguard against the harmful consequences of flood damage. Flood barriers also add value to properties by protecting home foundations and infrastructure. Another benefit is that having flood defence systems in place can lower insurance premiums.
Floods affect people but they also affect communities. No home or business stands in isolation and the more protection that can be shared, the better for everyone involved. Governmental organisations know this and have started putting measures in place.
For example, when then Prime Minister David Cameron visited flood-prone Oxfordshire, residents attended a special instructional event. The event included education and training about Geodesign Heavy Duty flood barriers.
Prevent Damages and Loss
Prevention truly is better than cure. The financial and psychological effects of floods can be astronomical; implementing protective measures however, is not.
Rather than footing potentially exorbitant repair costs, land, business and home=owners can prevent damage and loss in the wake of natural disasters by preparing in advance. Simple measures, such as flood barriers, make all the difference between something you could be repairing for years and preventing that loss.
Geodesign Barriers brings over 30 years of experience in creating innovative, yet simple and effective flood barriers. We offer elemental, industrial, and heavy-duty flood barriers, which can be deployed to meet your specific needs.
Proactively starting a flood defence strategy with our flood barriers helps to protect both personal and commercial properties against flood damage but more importantly, it can help you remain calm in the face of a proverbial and literal storm.
