Looks like thunderstorms are heading our way in the UK Make sure you are prepared and equipped to keep flash flooding out of your home or business FloodSax alternative sandbags are space-saving to store in these easy-to-carry bags

Looks like this 2022 UK heatwave could end with bangs, flashes and then a very wet wallop with thunderstorms and flash flooding

Parts of the UK could see the hottest temperatures ever recorded next week – but the Met Office is also warning it could all end in thunderstorms and torrential rain.

The main danger from thunderstorms is flash flooding and we saw that all too graphically last year when some places in London were devastated by severe flash flooding twice in just a few days in July 2021.

It’s thought there are 45,000 basement properties at risk of flooding in London and you can read more about that by clicking here. 

So best to be prepared everywhere in the UK as local councils have no responsibility to provide sandbags or other temporary anti-flooding devices.

The Environment Agency states: “Don’t assume the authorities will provide you with sand bags in a flood emergency. It’s the responsibility of property owners to take appropriate action to protect their property from flooding. Sandbags are relatively ineffective when compared to purpose-built flood protection products. We strongly encourage people to use these products.”

It only takes a few inches of floodwater to cause colossal water damage and the average insurance claim for a flooded domestic property such as a house or flat is £31,000.

The flooding victim may then be homeless for weeks or months while their home is repaired. Don’t forget that costs – both for materials and labour – are rocketing due to the cost-of-living crisis and many materials are in short supply which could delay vital repairs even further.

This is what the Met Office is saying about the week starting Monday, July 18, 2022.

“Temperatures warm to very warm across Scotland and Northern Ireland and hot, locally very hot, for most of England and Wales. The highest temperatures are likely in central and south-eastern parts of England.

“Much of the UK should then see temperatures steadily decrease back down to average or slightly above average through the middle part of next week which could be accompanied by a period of heavy rain and thunderstorms.” 

Flash flooding can lead to homes and businesses being overwhelmed and devastated by water in just minutes which is exactly what happened in London last year.

So people in premises or areas at risk of flooding need to think ahead and have flood measures in place now so they are ready for flooding 24 hours a day, 365 weeks a year.

One of the most popular ways are FloodSax alternative sandbags as they are multi-purpose and can be used to prevent flooding both outside and indoors.

FloodSax are vacuum-packed with 5 in each bag which is enough to prevent floodwater getting in most standard doors.

This means they are space-saving to store but are also quick and easy to deploy. In their dry state they resemble a large pillowcase and their absorbent qualities and large surface area means they are ideal to soak up or absorb internal leaks from pipes, boilers, radiators and appliances such as dishwashers and washing machines.

To transform them into alternative sandbags simply immerse them in water and the gelling polymer inside will absorb up to 20kg, transforming them into ‘sandless’ sandbags. They are far better than traditional sandbags as they are a uniform shape and size making them easier to move and build into temporary flood protection barriers.

Sandbags also often deteriorate and spill the sand, causing serious environmental problems such as clogging up drains which will simply add to the flooding problem.

For more information on FloodSax and where to buy them please go to http://www.floodsax.co.uk/