FloodSax protected this computer server in a care home basement from floodwater Floodsax make robust alternative sandbags to stop a torrent of floodwater FloodSax soaking up water and preventing customers and staff from slipping in a supermarket

Why care homes need FloodSax alternative sandbags to prevent flood damage and costly insurance claims

A major care home company in the UK is now equipped with FloodSax alternative sandbags to protect it from flooding both inside and out.

The company runs dozens of homes nationwide and has the FloodSax to save potentially costly damage from escapes of water inside and the risk of floodwater getting in from outside.

FloodSax can stop both and protects the homes from any water damage which can quickly run into tens of thousands of pounds.

According to the Association of British Insurers, insurance companies in the UK are paying out a staggering £1.8m EVERY DAY in the UK for damage caused by escapes of water inside homes and businesses.

The average business flood claim in the UK is £70,000 while the typical household flood claim in the UK is about £31,000. These figures are way higher than the average claim across all insured risks of £11,500 on a commercial policy and £2,200 under a home insurance policy. 

In their dry state Floodsax have a large surface area yet are very thin so can soak up water from internal floods, especially in hard-to-reach places such as underneath sinks, beneath floorboards or below radiators. 

Yet immerse them fully in water and the gelling polymer inside them absorbs up to 20 litres and retains it, turning them into instant sandbags but without any sand which means they can be built into temporary flood barriers. They are largely biodegradable by weight so are more environmentally friendly and more effective than traditional sandbags as they are bigger with a more uniform shape so are easier to stack.

Flooding from outside can be caused by torrential rain, burst pipes or even just rising groundwater.

FloodSax were used at one care home to protect a computer server in the basement that was in danger of being flooded which would have cost countless thousands of pounds damage.

They can also be put under leaks – perhaps from roofs – to soak up the water to prevent it from spreading across floors, damaging flooring, woodwork and electrics.

This means FloodSax are also vital for health and safety by preventing people falling on slippery floors where water has leaked.

FloodSax are made by Environmental Defence Systems Ltd based in Huddersfield, West Yorkshire.

Lucy Bailey from EDS said: “Water leaks are so highly destructive and within the insurance industry are known as ‘the thief who takes everything’ for the widespread and costly damage they cause.

“This is why it’s vital people are prepared for flooding at any time, especially businesses where preventing damage and health and safety are so important yet so many have no protection in place at all.

“The cost of FloodSax is miniscule compared to how much damage they prevent if needed in action.”

For more information on FloodSax go to www.floodsax.co.uk