Guides aim to cut £1bn flood bill

People turned to alternative transport during the flooding

The Environment Agency has launched a series of guides aimed at cutting the cost of flooding in England and Wales.

An estimated £1bn is being spent on repairing damage caused by flooding every year and 2.2 million homes are at specific risk.

Last summer was particularly bad, with 50,000 homes damaged because of heavy rain, many for the first time.

The new guides offer advice for what to do before, during and after a flood, including tips on insurance claims.

Get a plan

"People must be prepared for floods and know what to do if the worst happens," said Barbara Young, chief executive of the Environment Agency.

"We strongly advise that every household in a flood risk area has their own plan of action that can be quickly put in place during a flood emergency."

The agency warns that 2.2 million properties are at risk of coastal and river flooding in the UK, but others can be affected when drains are unable to deal with intense rainfall.

Tracy Christian, 41, was rescued from the hair salon where she works in Nottinghamshire when the floods hit last summer.

She said it was difficult to be fully prepared for such an unusual event.

"We keep an eye on the weather and have sandbags handy," she said.

The new guides can be found on the agency's website or by calling Floodline on 0845 988 1188.