Making properties more resistant to floods

The floods of October and November 2000 invoked a sense of desperation and helplessness in affected communities. Failure to find a solution to minimise the damage to property could mean loss of home and community. Since the autumn 2000 floods there have been sustained efforts by government and local authorities, insurance and financial institutions, local communities and commercial businesses to provide the flood victim and property developers with guidance and practical measures to improve the flood resistance of existing and new properties. This paper describes the guidance drawn together and developed by government agencies and partner organisations to improve the resistance of property to floodwaters and to promote the use of local protection systems and techniques. Innovative techniques to improve the resistance of buildings to floodwaters are described and lessons learned from current standards and practices in the USA are discussed.