A national trade body has issued advice to Swindon householders on flood protection.

The Property Care Association (PCA) has devised a list of measures to safeguard homes from potential flooding damage.

This initiative coincides with the Environment Agency's 'Flood Action Week', which runs until October 20, aiming to raise awareness about flood prevention.

Sarah Garry, chief executive of the PCA, said: "Flood Action Week advises the public to be prepared by checking their long-term flood risk, signing up for flood warnings by phone, text or email, and taking steps to protect themselves from future flooding.

"The campaign also references property flood resilience measures, which are solutions that can make properties better withstand flood events.

"These can help alleviate a good deal of cost and distress for those affected by flooding.

"Some measures can be adopted in modern buildings, or during the recovery or refurbishment of older buildings, to provide degrees of resilience and protection from the effects of flood water."

The PCA suggests 10 measures to protect against flooding.

These include fitting flood protection guards to external doors, replacing standard airbricks with a ‘self-closing’ alternative, and fitting a ‘non return valve’ to foul water drains to prevent sewage backflow.

The PCA also recommends checking brickwork is in good condition and coating it with a water-resistant solution and replacing kitchens with one that can be cleaned, dried and reused, for example marine ply or steel.

Replacing standard gypsum plaster with a non-absorbent alternative, using ceramic or stone tiles with waterproof adhesive and grout on ground floors, and placing electric sockets higher up the wall are other suggestions.

Householders are also advised to purchase a sump pump or "puddle sucker" to quickly remove water after flooding, and to plan and prepare to move personal items to higher levels above flood water.

The PCA's members can assist householders in implementing these flood protection measures.

More information can be found on the PCA's website.

The PCA represents the UK's building protection industry, with its skilled and audited members operating across various sectors, including structural repair, damp protection, and flood remediation.

The association is known for its training and technical expertise, with knowledge built up over the decades combined with a focus on best practice and innovation.

The PCA is currently developing training programmes, guidance documents, and other support material to support the Government’s 2025 introduction of the Future Homes Standard.

Further information on Flood Action Week can be found on the Government's website.