Is it true that householders could be at even greater risk of flooding this winter

A.� It looks more than possible. Some parts of the country have already had a month's worth of rainfall in less than three days and flood warnings have already been issued across East Anglia, the Midlands, parts of the West Country and Wales. If, as some predict, we have as wet a winter and spring as we did last year the effects could be even worse.

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This is because the water table is much higher than in previous years in many parts of the country due to last winter's deluges. In parts of Kent, for instance, underground water levels are eight feet higher than they were this time a year ago, meaning it will take less rainfall to saturate the ground this time round.

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A.� The Environment Agency, the body responsible for issuing flood warnings and maintaining flood defences, estimate that five million people in two million properties live in flood risk areas.

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A.� The cost of flooding to the insurance industry rose from �49 million in 1999 to �242m last year. There has been an average hike in home insurance premiums of between 10-15 per cent and the cost of meeting flood claims is part of that.

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After last winter there were fears companies would start refusing to insure people already living in flood risk areas, but the Government came to an agreement with BAI (British Association of Insurers) that they would continue to offer cover to people in this situation for at least the next two years. However, they can face higher premiums or face excess terms of up to �2,500 pounds rather than the usual �50.

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A.� If you are new to the area ask around. The Environment Agency offers a number of services on their website at www.environment-agency.co.uk, including floodplain maps and searches by postcode. When buying a new property it is worth having a full structural survey done which will highlight flood risk.

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A.� If you are at risk of flooding it is vital to keep ahead of the game by getting the latest information for your area either from the Environment Agency or by telephoning their Floodline on 0845 988 1188. It also offer guidance, both on the website and in a series of leaflets on how to erect sandbags, wood or metal flood boards for doors and windows and other devices.

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The Agency is also championing a plastic 'skirt', costing around �50, which is attached to walls around the house and buried in a trench.