North Essex businesses have been warned to take steps against flooding.

The Environment Agency said climate change is "likely to increase the risk of extreme weather events, including floods" and firms have to be prepared.

An agency spokesman revealed small businesses are "more at risk from flooding than fire" and the effects can be 30 times as costly as burglary.

The spokesman said: "Many businesses still do not have any measures in place to protect their property or staff from flooding.

"Last summer alone, nearly 7,000 UK firms flooded, with the total damage to businesses estimated at £1.3 billion - many of these had never flooded before."

He said the first step businesses should take was to find out whether their premises were in an area at risk of river or coastal flooding by using the Environment Agency's free online postcode checker.

Those who are at risk can register for the free Floodline Warnings Direct service that provides flood warnings by telephone, mobile, e-mail, fax or pager whenever a flood warning is issued in the area.

The agency also wants all businesses to use its template to develop a flood plan.

"Those not at risk of river or coastal flooding can still be affected by surface water flooding in cases where drainage systems are unable to deal with intense rainfall," pointed out the spokesman.

The plan should include a list of important contacts, a map showing key equipment, protective materials and service shut-off points, and basic strategies to protect property, ensure staff safety and minimise business disruption if a flood occurs.

Agency chief executive Barbara Young said: "We know small businesses have limited time and resources, but with climate change putting increasing numbers of businesses at risk of flooding, investing some time in preparation now could really pay dividends in the future.

"By checking their flood risk and following our simple preparation guide, businesses can cut the cost of damage by as much as 90 per cent and make sure they are protecting their staff and premises."

  • For further information on preparing for flooding and to find out if your business is at risk visit the Environment Agency website or call Floodline on 0845 988 1188.

HOW YOUR BUSINESS CAN PREPARE

The Environment Agency says firms should ask themselves:

  • Does my insurance policy cover all types of flooding?
  • Do we understand the different flood warning codes and what they mean in practice?
  • Are our staff familiar with flood safety procedures?
  • Do we all know how to shut off gas, electric and water supplies?
  • Can we store valuable equipment and stock above flood level or take other protective action?
  • Are there any flood protection products we should be using?