floodTwo new publications that explain how homes can be made more resilient to flooding using new technologies have been launched.

Entitled Six steps to property level flood resilience, one has been written specifically for property owners and one for local authorities and professionals.

Severe flooding Europe-wide
“As the severe flooding currently afflicting areas of the Czech Republic, Germany and Austria show, homes and businesses in flood risk areas can’t always rely on conventional flood defences,” says Stephen Garvin of BRE, who managed the EU-funded project that developed the new publications. “We need the next generation of flood resilience technologies now – smart systems with sensor technology, automatic control, innovative materials and high levels of performance.”

The guidance documents were prepared as part of the SMARTeST project, which has developed innovative smart technologies and products that can improve flood resilience in towns and cities.

Ten European research institutes collaborated on the project to produce cost effective measures that can be used by individuals and communities to protect their homes. SMARTeST has focused on retrofitting the new technologies to buildings and/or through community-wide flood resilience systems.

Increase properties' ability to cope with floods
The publication for property owners provides guidance on the correct installation and maintenance of technologies that can increase their properties’ ability to cope with floods – or limit the damage. This will often allow owners to return to their properties much more quickly than if they’d had no protection.

The guidance for local authorities and professionals focusses on making flood resilience technologies, particularly at property and neighbourhood scales, part of an overall flood risk management strategy.
For more information on the SMARTeST project visit www.floodresilience.eu