As climate change leads to more unpredictable weather patterns, the reliability of traditional flood defences is being called into question. Structures like gullies and sluice gates, which have long been used to hold back rising waters, are increasingly being overwhelmed by the scale of recent flooding events. It’s clear that we need more flexible solutions to keep homes, businesses, and infrastructure safe.
Temporary, deployable flood defences are playing an increasingly important role in this shift. Unlike permanent barriers, deployable flood defences are quick to set up, protecting against flooding as it happens. These systems offer an extra layer of protection, mitigating the risk of significant property damage, and giving people more time to react.
Wiltshire Council, which recently advised residents to consider property-level flood protection, has echoed this message, especially in flood-prone areas. Following heavy rainfall in September, the council highlighted the importance of having more effective defences in place, moving beyond reliance on traditional sandbags. The council pointed out demountable flood barriers as a far better solution for residents preparing for potential floods. It is easy for residents and businesses to fit these barriers quickly across doorways. As Wiltshire’s Cabinet member for highways, Nick Holder explained, these systems offer more efficient and reliable protection, especially compared to sandbags, which have a limited capacity and require constant replenishment.
With councils working hard to maintain infrastructure—Wiltshire, for example, empties over 60,000 gullies each year—it’s becoming increasingly clear that residents and businesses must take additional steps to protect their properties. The unpredictability of modern flooding means that the responsibility for flood prevention is no longer solely on public authorities. When permanent infrastructure is stretched to its limits, property-level flood protection systems, including demountable barriers and other deployable solutions, can provide critical safeguards.
One of the key advantages of temporary flood barriers is their ability to adapt to different environments. Users can deploy temporary flood barriers in a variety of settings, from urban areas to rural floodplains, where fixed structures may not be workable or effective. This flexibility makes them an essential part of modern flood risk management, complementing traditional methods rather than replacing them.
Recent flooding incidents, like those in Wiltshire, have shown that relying on permanent infrastructure alone isn’t enough. Communities and businesses are realising the value of having deployable systems in place as an additional safeguard. These defences, when used in combination with permanent barriers, can make a significant difference during a flood event.
Flood protection isn’t just about stopping water from getting in—it’s about creating strategies that address both immediate risks and long-term resilience. With floods becoming more frequent, it’s crucial to stay ahead of the curve by using the right tools and preparing for the unexpected.
