HOUSEHOLDERS and companies in this area are being warned to review their flood prevention strategies and reassess their insurance cover after the flooding in Cornwall.

Royal Liver Assurance spokesman Andrew Wood said: "Ten per cent of the land area of the UK is at risk of flooding.

"Despite attempts to increase awareness of the risks to the two million households and 185,000 businesses this affects, many are still unaware of the potential danger."

Association of Chartered Certified Accountants head of small business Robin Jarvis said: "It is widely accepted that stormier weather will be a more common occurrence in the future."

ACCA advises firms:

ensure backed-up computer data is stored offsite in a flood-proof place;

ensure your staff are aware of emergency procedures and can be contacted in a crisis;

store perishable goods somewhere safe, "which may simply mean on the first floor of a warehouse".

review and update insurance cover;

consider emergency office arrangements: it is possible to buy access to emergency office space which can be activated at 24 hours' notice;

review transport arrangements and think about despatch of crucial orders if normal methods are not available.

"Taking these precautions will help to reduce insurance premiums, in the same way that having a burglar alarm or car immobiliser cuts bills," said Mr Jarvis.

"The floods prove a bigger point. Every business needs disaster precautions - flood, fire and theft do not always happen to other people."