BUSINESSES have been urged to draw up flood protection plans to sit alongside other emergency measures as the threat of flooding becomes increasingly regular.

The Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors says the same approach should also be taken by homeowners.

A month after the serious flooding which hit several parts of the Bradford district, RICS

said the public and businesses alike should sign-up to receive regular flood warnings on their properties by registering with the Environment Agency as the first step in their flood-protection plan.

RICS, which sets standards in the land, property and construction industry, said a written document should be prepared setting out how businesses and homes would respond to flooding. These should be regarded like health and safety and fire evacuation plans.

The organisation says local businesses and homeowners, even those in low flood risk areas, should prepare now for future extreme weather .

James Ginley, RICS regional spokesman and head of professional risk at Legal & General Surveying Services, said: “Over the last decade, we’ve experienced at least one serious flood per year and as our climate continues to change, we can expect to see further extreme weather.

"Even those that are currently in ‘negligible’ flood risk areas should consider making a flood plan as their ‘risk’ could change in the near future."

He said property owners in flood risk areas need to make flood resilient measures a priority, including ensuring walls, floors, service intakes and drains are upgraded and make premises easier to clean and dry out after flooding.

James added : “Reinstatement works, such as ordering and installing a new kitchen and repairing and redecorating a flood damaged property may run from a few weeks to several months, which can be extremely stressful. So, it’s better to seek advice from a local chartered surveyor and ensure you have an effective flood plan in place, rather than suffer the devastating and costly impact of flooding to your home.”

He said suitable temporary flood protection materials include door and window guards and watertight air brick covers to act as flood barriers, along with large sturdy purpose-made plastic containers to protect goods and furniture

Businesses should list the location of such materials in their plan, as well as the location of taps to turn off gas, electricity and water . A flood plan should also include contacts such as the local authority emergency services, insurance company and tradesmen, along with details of suppliers to be notified in the event of a flood .

More tips on how to create a flood plan can be downloaded at rics.org/flooding