Climate Change and the Increasing Impacts of Extreme Weather in Britain

The Met Office’s 2023 Annual Climate Summary revealed a record-breaking year of warmth, heavy rainfall and storms in the UK, highlighting the increasing prevalence of extreme weather in Britain. These unprecedented patterns underscore the urgent need for preparation against the escalating impacts of climate change on both your health and your property.

The impact of modern human activity on the planet has significantly altered our weather, disrupting Earth’s balance and posing major risks to global stability. According to the latest UKCP18 projections – forecasting warmer winters, drier summers and rising sea levels – extreme weather in Britain is set to worsen beyond its current unpredictability.

Climate change results from a complex amalgamation and interplay of factors that have collectively pushed our environment into a state of uncertainty. In our blog, ‘The Human Causes of Flooding’, we delve deep into the direct and indirect causes behind this escalating crisis.

Amidst this climate disaster, homeowners and businesses should proactively prepare themselves and their properties for the forthcoming challenges of extreme weather in Britain.

Types of Extreme Weather in Britain and its Impacts

Heat waves

The escalation of greenhouse gases has led to a rise in Earth’s temperature, amplifying natural weather patterns and resulting in more frequent and severe heat waves. This phenomenon accounts for Britain’s record-breaking temperatures, with 2023 being the second warmest year on record.
Heat waves pose significant health hazards, including heatstroke and dehydration, emphasising the importance of proactive measures to safeguard human well-being.

Flooding

The combination of rising sea levels and intense rainfall has heightened the incidence of flooding throughout the country. Although certain flood mitigation measures exist for flood-prone regions, flash floods, especially in urban areas situated on floodplains, are escalating the risk of devastation.
Repairing water damage to properties is not only financially burdensome and time-consuming but also poses significant health risks if not promptly addressed with the appropriate expertise.

Storms

The increase in severity of natural weather patterns forecasts a continued onslaught of severe storms with heavy winds across the United Kingdom. These storms pose diverse risks, ranging from structural damage to properties to prolonged power outages and disruptions to societal infrastructure.

Cold spells

Among the lesser-known impacts of extreme weather in Britain is the prevalence of burst pipes during sudden cold snaps. When pipes are exposed to abrupt freezing temperatures, the resulting increase in pressure from frozen water can lead to ruptures, causing water leakage and property damage upon thawing.
In addition to the financial toll, individuals must also contend with potential health effects, as winter’s harsh conditions exacerbate existing challenges, contributing to increased risks of heart attacks, pneumonia, strokes and other ailments, as highlighted by the Met Office.

Fires

Extreme weather in the UK manifests in the devastating aftermath of fires for property owners. While wildfires are less frequent compared to other nations, they still pose a significant threat, particularly during extremely hot and dry periods, causing havoc to our agriculture and the environment.

The National Emergencies Trust reported 24,316 wildfires in England between June and August 2022, four times more than the previous year. This increased frequency poses a significant risk to wildlife, ecosystems and human lives alike.

Moreover, the combination of severe winter conditions and economic pressures may indirectly contribute to property fires, as individuals resort to unsafe heating methods like portable electric heaters and blankets to mitigate increasing central heating expenses.

What unites all these potential calamities is their capacity to wreak havoc on individuals, their families and their communities. From heightened financial strain to inflicting mental trauma and distress, it’s crucial to remain vigilant of their potential implications and to seek assistance when needed.

Health and Safety During Extreme Weather in Britain

Prioritising your Health

Your health should always be paramount when considering the effects of extreme weather. It’s crucial to take proactive measures to protect yourself and your family from potential health risks.

During a Heatwave:

• Stay Hydrated: Drink plenty of water throughout the day to keep your body well-hydrated.
• Avoid Overexertion: Refrain from strenuous exercise during peak heat hours to prevent heat-related illnesses.
• Seek Shade: Whenever possible, stay in shaded areas and minimise direct sun exposure.
• Use Cooling Devices: Consider purchasing a fan or air conditioning unit. The UK’s infrastructure often retains heat, making indoor temperatures comparable to those outside.

During a Storm or Flood:

• Stay Informed: Keep up to date with weather alerts, especially if you are in a flood-prone area.
• Consider Evacuation: If severe weather alerts are issued for your area, consider seeking alternative accommodation.
• Prepare an Emergency Kit: Assemble an emergency kit with essentials, including water, food, medications and important documents, in case you need to evacuate.
• Address Water Damage Promptly: Ensure any water damage is professionally attended to, preventing the health risks associated with damp and mould spores.

During a Cold Spell:

• Maintain Adequate Body Temperature: While heating can be costly, it is vital to keep your body at a safe temperature to avoid negative health outcomes.
• Use Alternative Heating Methods: Extra layers of clothing can help during colder months, but consider alternative heating methods if needed. Ensure any electrical heating device meets UK Health and Safety Regulations and follows the manufacturer’s guidelines.
• Safety First: Keep any heat-emitting products well away from flammable materials, pets and children.
• Seek Financial Assistance: If you require financial assistance, there are charities and government grants available to help with heating costs.

During a Fire:

• Uncontrollable Fires: Ensure immediate evacuation if the fire cannot be extinguished, and dial 999 to alert the fire brigade.
• Reduce Toxin Exposure: Cover your mouth with a cloth to reduce inhalation of toxins.
• Extinguish Flames Quickly: If you or someone else catches fire, remember ‘Stop, Drop, and Roll’ to extinguish flames.
• Stay Informed: For more in-depth fire safety advice, visit our blog: ‘Surviving a House Fire – Emergency Guide’.

Restoring the Safety of Your Property

We offer a multitude of guides to help ensure your safety and assist in the recovery of your property:

• What Do I Do When My House Floods?
• Reduce The Risk Of A Burst Water Pipe – Prepare Your Pipes For Winter
• How To Reduce The Risk Of Fire And Flood While You Are Away

The Property Hub section of our website is home to our campaigns ‘Be Fire Ready’ and ‘Be Flood Ready’, which go in to detail and provide resources for Frequently Asked Questions regarding Fire and Flood Safety.

Disaster Recovery Services for Extreme Weather in Britain

In case of emergency or danger resulting from flash floods, fires or storms, the UK Government advises to dial 999 to seek immediate assistance.

Storm Damage Restoration and Flood Recovery

If you’ve been affected by weather-related damage to your property, we’re here to assist. Our expert Flood Restoration Services include tailored drying solutions and comprehensive Damp and Mould Prevention & Remediation.

With our 24/7 emergency hotline, we guarantee on-site assistance within two hours anywhere in the UK during emergency situations. Additionally, we offer home inventory, contents restoration services and controlled waste disposal, ensuring end-to-end restoration of your property.

Fire Restoration

Experiencing a fire can be incredibly distressing, but Rainbow Restoration is here to help. As seasoned experts in Fire and Smoke Damage Restoration, we employ specialised equipment and techniques to return your property to its pre-incident condition.

Our experienced teams are adept at handling and removing Smoke and Fire Damage from rooms and contents, prioritising safety throughout the process. Trusted by leading insurers for our track record in managing policyholder claims effectively, we also offer Pat Testing to ensure the safety of your electricals.

Leak Detection and Burst Pipe Repair 

As Burst Pipes become more prevalent, our nationwide teams are well-equipped to handle the rising number of incidents each year. With decades of experience, we can swiftly and accurately pinpoint the source of the leak, understanding the criticality of acting promptly to minimise further damage.

Our expert Leak Detection and Trace & Access Services ensure that the burst pipe no longer poses a risk and we will diligently restore any subsequent Water Damage to mitigate any potential health and safety hazards.

Sustainability Practices and Climate Change Mitigation

How we are making a difference

As a company, we are dedicated to championing improved sustainability across our business operations, within our industry and to our customer base.

In 2022, we launched our #RestoreThePlanet campaign. Operating in an industry that has been previously slow to adopt sustainability practices, we are leading our peers into a new era of environmentally conscious Disaster Restoration.

Our journey to restore the planet has included partnering with RSK to implement a comprehensive Sustainability Framework with science-based targets recognised by the SBTi. We’ve also adopted eco-friendly office practices, detailed in our Sept 2023 and Feb 2024 Newsletter and introduced electric vehicles, including “Evie the EV,” into our fleet.

Measurable goals are crucial for tracking our progress and maintaining accountability. That’s why we have committed to achieving Net Zero emissions by 2030.

How You Can Contribute to Combating Climate Change and Reducing Extreme Weather in Britain

There are numerous areas where small habit changes can make lasting impacts on reducing carbon footprint.

Energy: Choose energy-efficient appliances & lighting and consider switching to green energy tariffs for your gas and electricity. Solar panels are an excellent renewable energy source, with some schemes offering reduced costs to ease the transition to solar power.

Water: Explore our dedicated blog on ‘Water saving devices and habits to cut bills in 2024’ for detailed information on fixing leaks, conserving water and adopting more conscious usage habits.

Waste: Embrace the famous mantra of “Reduce, Reuse, Recycle.” Take ownership of the waste you generate and assess how you dispose of it to extend its lifespan. Explore the wealth of online resources offering education on waste disposal in your local area and innovative ways to repurpose items that would otherwise contribute to landfill.

Transportation: Whenever feasible, choose zero or low emission transportation options like walking and cycling. Utilising public transport such as buses, trams and trains also helps reduce your carbon footprint.

Explore potential carpooling opportunities with colleagues or other parents for school journeys and consider whether the trip is necessary in the first place. Workplaces may benefit from online meetings as an alternative to face-to-face interactions or consider implementing a hybrid or remote working policy.

Education and Advocacy: Tap into a wide range of resources including books, articles, websites, talks and research papers to guide you in championing sustainability in your daily life. Advocacy is a powerful tool and by sharing our message and journey, we hope to inspire our audience to do the same.

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As we address climate change and its impact on extreme weather in Britain, it’s crucial to take proactive steps to safeguard our communities and environment. By implementing the tips outlined in this blog – from energy efficiency to waste reduction and advocacy for sustainability – we can mitigate climate change and enhance resilience to extreme weather events for years to come.

If your property has been effected by extreme weather and you are in immediate need of support, please contact us or call our 24 hour National Helpline on 01623 422488 today.