Preparing for Floods: Insights from Today’s National Flood Resilience Meeting

Introduction: Preparing for Floods in a Changing Climate

Today marks an important step in the UK’s ongoing response to rising flood risks. Chaired by Floods Minister Emma Hardy, the latest national flood resilience meeting brings together government officials, local authorities, emergency services, and resilience experts. Their focus is clear: how best to support communities in preparing for floods before disaster strikes.

As extreme weather events become more frequent due to climate change, communities across England, Scotland, and Wales face growing challenges. From flash flooding in rural villages to long-lasting river and coastal inundation, the need for practical, preventative solutions has never been greater.

At Shield Waterproofing & Preservation, we’ve seen first-hand how devastating flooding can be. That’s why we provide flood resilience solutions that go beyond short-term fixes, helping property owners take real steps in preparing for floods.

Why Preparing for Floods Matters

Flooding is no longer a rare or seasonal problem. According to the Environment Agency, 1 in 6 properties in England is at risk of flooding, and that number is expected to rise. Today’s meeting, chaired by Emma Hardy, aims to address:

• How local authorities can support communities in preparing for floods

• What measures homeowners and businesses should take now

• How investment in infrastructure and flood defence can be accelerated

• The role of private contractors and specialists like Shield in resilience planning

By bringing together multiple agencies and stakeholders, the government is making clear that preparing for floods is about prevention and long-term resilience – not just emergency response.

Preparing for Floods: What Property Owners Need to Know

Floods strike quickly, often leaving little time to react. Preparation is key. Today’s meeting highlighted the following priorities:

1. Understanding Your Risk

Every property has a different flood profile. The first step in preparing for floods is to check the government’s online flood risk maps and speak to local councils. Shield can also carry out professional flood risk assessments for homeowners and businesses.

2. Investing in Property-Level Protection

Flood doors, barriers, non-return valves, and waterproof coatings all provide defence. At Shield, we specialise in flood protection systems that form a vital part of preparing for floods at the property level.

3. Basement & Cellar Waterproofing

Basements are highly vulnerable. Shield’s cellar tanking and waterproofing systems are an essential part of preparing for floods in properties with underground spaces.

4. Building Resilience, Not Just Defence

True resilience means preparing your property to bounce back quickly. Shield’s water-resistant plaster, resilient flooring, and drainage systems are key tools in preparing for floods with recovery in mind.

5. Emergency Preparedness

Knowing evacuation routes, protecting documents, and having a grab bag ready are crucial. Today’s meeting reinforced that preparing for floods involves awareness and readiness, not just barriers.

Government Policy and Preparing for Floods

Emma Hardy’s leadership in today’s meeting reflects the growing recognition that preparing for floods requires more than central government action.

Key initiatives under discussion include:

• Funding for natural flood management projects

• Stronger planning rules to avoid risky development

• Expansion of the Flood Re insurance scheme

• Partnerships with private sector experts like Shield Preservation to support communities in preparing for floods

Spotlight on Shield’s Flood Resilience Solutions

At Shield Waterproofing & Preservation, we help property owners take the right steps in preparing for floods. Our services include:

• Flood Risk Surveys – Identifying vulnerabilities and tailoring solutions

• Flood Barriers & Doors – Reliable, discreet systems that stop floodwater entering

• Cellar Tanking & Basement Waterproofing – Protecting underground spaces

• Resilient Materials – Water-resistant plaster, flooring, and finishes

• Drainage Solutions – Sump pumps and smart water diversion systems

• Flood Resilience Training – Helping owners understand how to act before, during, and after flooding

Case Studies: Preparing for Floods in Action

Residential Home in Worcestershire

After repeated river flooding, a family worked with Shield to implement a full resilience package. By preparing for floods in advance with flood doors and waterproofing, they stayed dry during the next major event.

Commercial Property in the Midlands

A retail premises disrupted by surface water invested in sump pumps and barriers. Shield’s plan for preparing for floods meant the business continued trading during storms.

Listed Building in Oxfordshire

Shield helped a heritage property adopt flood resilience measures that respected its historic character. By preparing for floods thoughtfully, long-term damage was avoided.

Looking Ahead: Preparing for Floods as a Shared Responsibility

The outcome of today’s meeting will influence how the UK manages flood risk in the years ahead. For property owners, the message is clear: preparing for floods starts now.

Floods may be inevitable, but their impact can be dramatically reduced with the right preparation. Shield’s mission is to make preparing for floods achievable and affordable for all types of property.

Conclusion: Preparing for Floods with Shield

The national meeting chaired by Emma Hardy shows that preparing for floods is at the top of the government’s agenda. With expert support and practical measures, you can protect your property and gain peace of mind.

At Shield Waterproofing & Preservation, we provide tailored flood resilience solutions that make preparing for floods simple, effective, and reliable.

Contact Shield today to arrange a flood resilience survey and start preparing for floods with confidence.