Protecting your home from flooding

26 November 2012 Last updated at 10:48 ET

More than five-and-a-half million properties in England and Wales are deemed to be at risk from flooding.

This year has seen most parts of the UK being affected, with thousands of properties being flooded.

Despite efforts to improve and strengthen community flood defence schemes, many homes and businesses remain vulnerable.

The Environment Agency acknowledges that it is impossible to completely flood-proof a property, but there are a number of measures to prevent flood-water getting in and limit the damage.

There are a number of routes in which floodwater can enter a property.

As well as coming through doors and patios, water can find its way in through air bricks on exposed walls and through gaps in the floor.

Another way is via through drains and pipes as the pressure created by flooding can reverse the flow, causing water to back-up and enter a home through sinks, toilets, washing machines etc.

The Environment Agency lists two ways that homes and businesses can protect properties: "flood resistance" measures, and making a building "flood resilient".

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Protecting your home from flooding