As flooding continues to hit the headlines across the country, this weekend's severe floods proved that the dangers must be recognised as early as possible.

The annual cost of flood damage is expected to rise from £1.5 billion to £3.5 billion over the next few years, and Landmark Information Group, the UK's leading provider of environmental reports, is advising homeowners across the country to remain vigilant.

James Sherwood-Rogers, Managing Director of Landmark Legal and Financial comments: “According to the Environment Agency, just five million people in two million homes live in flood risk areas across England and Wales – however, experience has shown that actually, that figure could be higher.

James continues: “The Environment Agency is just one source of flood information. Unfortunately their flood map of England and Wales does not include pluvial flooding - in other words flooding that is due to rainfall only, and not related to existing water sources. In the case of the flooding over the last few days for example, flash floods have impacted areas after intense rainfall which can cause flooding in areas where there is an insufficient run off for the water. It is essential that homebuyers find out about the wider risk of flood before they buy a property.

“With the information that a Landmark report can provide, homeowners can identify the specific risk to their property before it is too late. More importantly, if you know your home is at risk, you can take steps to mitigate damage.”

Landmark's dedicated flood website (www.homecheckflood.co.uk) informs homeowners and buyers about their potential flood risk and steps to take in case of flooding. Homebuyers can also purchase a flood report specific to an individual property which will determine their flood risk; the Homecheck Professional Flood Report contains flood risk data from the EA and also includes:

Unique data from the British Geological Survey which monitors ground water levels. You may not necessarily be near a river but the land may have underground water sources and can mean you may be at risk from flooding.

Claims data from loss adjusters who are the people that go out and report back on the actual flood damage.

Data from Norwich Union indicates the likelihood of insurability on the property and provides property-specific assessment of river and coastal flood risk. For just £18.95 Landmark will provide a flood risk assessment for your property categorising it high, medium or low risk. You can make preparations should a flood be imminent, but obtaining comprehensive flood risk information at an earlier stage ensures you are fully informed of potential risk to your prospective or current property.

Contact: Landmark on 0844 844 9966 or visit www.homecheck.co.uk

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Landmark Information Group

Landmark Information is the UK's leading provider of digital mapping and land data intelligence. It's Homecheck Professional Flood Report is the UK's most comprehensive report of its kind featuring not only data from the Environment Agency, and Norwich Union (the UK's biggest flood insurers), but also includes records of actual flood claims in the local area.

Issued on behalf of Landmark Information Group by Trimedia.

For further information please contact Rachel Greaves or Kathryn Morgan on 0207 025 7572 or Rachel.greaves@trimediauk.com

For further information on Landmark Information Group visit www.landmarkinfo.co.uk or call 0844 844 9966.