Hampshire and Isle of Wight homes get personal flood protection
The property flood resilience programme has protected 120 homes across Hampshire and Isle of Wight, with another 70 receiving flood-resistant measures.
Environment Agency project manager Vicky Spencer with homeowner
A major flood protection programme has delivered vital safety measures to nearly 200 homes across Hampshire and the Isle of Wight, helping families feel more secure as extreme weather becomes increasingly common.
The Environment Agency’s Hampshire and Isle of Wight Property Flood Resilience (PFR) programme has already protected over 120 properties, with work underway to safeguard another 70 homes.
Each property receives tailored protection based on individual flood risk, including flood-resistant doors, protective air brick covers, pumps, and other measures designed to keep water out and help families recover faster if flooding does occur.
Vicky Spencer, Environment Agency flood and coastal risk management advisor, said:
Flooding is devastating for families and communities, but through this programme we are taking proactive steps to improve resilience.
By protecting homes and helping people to recover more quickly, we are making a real difference to people’s lives.
The Hampshire and Isle of Wight PFR programme is a strong example of partnership working, with residents, local authorities and contractors all playing a role in reducing flood risk.
Contractors installing an auto-closing airbrick
The programme represents a collaborative effort between the Environment Agency, local councils, contractors, and residents themselves. It focuses on areas where traditional flood defences aren’t practical, providing a cost-effective solution that adapts to each property’s specific needs.
With climate change bringing more frequent extreme weather and rising sea levels, this type of targeted protection is becoming increasingly important for coastal and riverside communities.
Residents who have received the improvements consistently report feeling more confident about staying in their homes long-term, with many describing the “huge relief” of knowing they have professional-grade protection in place.
The programme continues to identify new opportunities for investment, ensuring more communities across the region can benefit from enhanced flood protection.
Contractors installing a flood barrier
Flood Action Week
This announcement comes during Flood Action Week; the Environment Agency’s annual campaign encouraging people across England to check their flood risk and prepare for potential flooding.
The UK is experiencing more frequent and intense extreme weather due to climate change, and this year, the Met Office has warned of a wetter than average autumn. Communities are warned not to be complacent about the risk of flooding even though drought is still being felt in some parts of the country. Around 6.3 million homes and businesses across England are at risk of flooding from a range of sources, including rivers, the sea, and surface water.
Taking action to protect your home, belongings and loved ones begins with checking your flood risk, getting flood warnings, making an action plan, and considering installing property flood resilience measures. Go to Gov.uk/prepare-for-flooding.
Background
- The Property Flood Resilience Programme targets properties where traditional flood defences are not viable.
- Each property receives an individual survey to determine the most effective combination of measures.
- This forms part of the Environment Agency’s wider climate adaptation strategy.