Assess your risk

One of the difficult things about the way our climate is changing is that the weather is becoming less predictable. For example, we're likely to experience more frequent summer storms, which bring the risk of the kinds of flooding we saw in Hull and Tewkesbury in 2007.

For each impact, there are factors that increase your chance of being affected.

Flooding

The Environment Agency publishes a map showing high-risk areas. Their website issues warnings of imminent floods, and you can arrange to be warned by phone, email or fax if you're in a flood risk area. However, you need to be prepared so that you're ready when the warning is given. Climate change means that areas previously subject to flooding are more at risk, and new areas never before affected may be in danger.

What can I do about it?

Although the government has responsibility for building flood defences, these cannot be expected to protect all areas or to protect against the extreme rainfall that caused floods across the UK in 2007.

For homes at risk of flooding, measures can be taken to reduce the damage caused and the time it takes to recover afterwards. In many cases these will pay for themselves in a single flood.

It is the homeowner's responsibility to adapt their home and ensure that adequate insurance is in place to cover the worst eventualities. Some insurers give a better deal to customers who have taken steps to adapt their homes.

Flooding: protecting your home

Water scarcity

Your local water company is responsible for supplying you with clean water. The 'water stress index' is calculated for each area, and gives an indication of how much water is available per person. Your water company works hard to ensure that there is enough water all year round, but they need your help, especially in a dry year.

What can I do about it?

If everyone tries to reduce their water consumption, there is more chance that hosepipe and sprinker bans won't be necessary. Many measures to improve water efficiency are inexpensive, attractive, effective and will save you money.

Water efficiency: adapting your home

Overheating

On hot days, built-up areas trap the heat (the Urban Heat Island (UHI) effect), so those living in large towns and cities will feel increased impacts during hot weather. However, problems are not limited to urban areas - in prolonged or intense heatwaves, everybody will be affected, even those in rural areas.

What can I do about it?

Homes need to be protected against the heat levels experienced in the summers of 2003 and 2006. There are many options, from simply opening windows to installing shutters or awnings. As well as keeping homes warm in the winter, insulation also keeps a house cool in the summer. These measures avoid the need for air conditioning, which uses energy and so increases carbon emissions.

Overheating: adapting your home