AS FLOODING becomes an ever increasing risk in the UK, many organisations are investing in flood protection products as a precaution against the severe disruption that water damage can do to a business according to workplace equipment provider Slingsby.

The Association of British Insurers has revealed that since 2000 the cost of flood damage in the UK has soared by more than 200 per cent with insurers paying out £4.5 billion since the start of the decade, which is up from £1.5 billion between 1990 and 2000. Slingsby sells more than 35,000 products across all industries and in recent years the company has introduced a range of flood defence products as a direct result of customer demand.

Lee Wright, Marketing Director of Slingsby says: “Flooding is becoming an ever increasing threat to many workplaces and as we’ve seen in recent years it can happen at almost any time during the year. Many businesses that experience a flood never reopen and with the Government recently announcing investment cuts in flood defences, we’re seeing increasing numbers of businesses buying flood protection products purely as an insurance policy.

“Even though a business may not be located near to a river or other such water source, it could still be affected by surface or groundwater flooding which can be very difficult to predict. Although it’s impossible to completely flood-proof a property there are lots of things that can be done to help prevent flood damage and make drying-out and cleaning up much quicker and easier.”

Lee continues: “In buildings that are at risk of flooding, for fixed items and furniture, it’s a good idea to use water resistant materials such as stainless steel or plastic where possible and electrical equipment and machinery can sit on raised plinths. It also makes sense to raise electrical sockets and fuse boxes and store valuable items on high-mounted shelves.

“Most importantly any insurance policies covering buildings and contents should be checked to determine what cover they offer for flood damage. It’s also worth notifying insurers when making any modifications to buildings because it could result in lower premiums.”

Below is a selection of products from Slingsby’s range that are all proving especially popular with businesses and organisations looking to protect themselves against the risks of flooding. They are all available from Slingsby by visiting www.slingsby.com or by calling 0800 294 4440.

Via EPR Network
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