CREW Code: CRW2025_01
Theme: Hydrological Extremes, Coasts and Risk Management
Project status: Project complete. Click here to visit the publication page to view the project outputs.
Type of project: Capacity Building Project
Lead research team: GCU
Flooding in Scotland is increasing, yet many people are unaware of their risk, and few have taken steps to protect their homes. This project therefore co‑designed a new resource that enables households to create a bespoke flood action plan.
A university research partnership developed the household flood plan using the latest behavioural research and co‑designed it with members of the public and flooding professionals. The resulting plan is easy to complete, includes simple actions, can be personalised by each household, and encourages social connections. Completing the plan helps people understand what to do if a flood is likely, potentially reducing pressure on emergency services.
The project identified two key target groups that should be prioritised in plan dissemination:
Social housing tenants, who can face hidden costs from flooding that could push them into financial difficulty.
Older people, persons with disabilities, and people with long-term health conditions are particularly vulnerable to negative impacts from flooding.
The findings show that flood preparedness is most effective when social connections support engagement. As a result, the plan should be promoted by trusted organisations and community groups to increase uptake. It is recommended that a strategic dissemination group with key stakeholders lead the plan’s implementation.
This project has completed. Click here to visit the publication page to view the project outputs.