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How safe is the Flood Adaptive Platform? What testing have you done?

The Flood Adaptive Platform spent three months at HR Wallingford in Oxford, where it was subject to rigorous testing overseen by experts from the University of Liverpool and WSP UK. It was tested to the US Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) ‘gold standard’, as there is currently no suitable British standard for flood adaptive technology. The platform was monitored for 24 hours a day and seven days a week during this period, and passed all of the tests.

The Flood Adaptive Platform also adheres to the relevant regulatory frameworks for quality and safety. It complies with both UKCA and CE marking standards, ensuring that it meets all applicable safety, health, and environmental regulations in the UK and EU markets.

In the event of a mains power cut, is there a back-up system for operating the jacks?

The Flood Technology Group adopted a must-not-fail approach to the development of the Flood Adaptive Platform. Therefore, the critical control system that operates the platform is not reliant on microprocessors, ensuring that the system functions in all conditions.

In the event of mains power being lost, the platform is fitted with battery back-up technology. In the unlikely event of a failure of back-up power systems, the platform can be raised manually by a trained professional.

Have you considered the potential for logs and other debris to damage the jacks?

The jacks on the Flood Adaptive Platform are never exposed to the elements or debris. The ‘legs’ on the platform are separate from the jacks and have been tested to withstand the impact of a 300 millimetre round log hitting them at over 40 miles per hour. This is based on testing standards set out by the US Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). No other equivalent product in the UK has been tested to this level.

How high can the platform rise?

Currently, the tested rise height of the Flood Adaptive Platform is two metres above ground level (the equivalent of two metres at building threshold). There is scope to increase this further, if required, but this height is suitable for most different purposes.

How quickly does the platform rise?

The Flood Adaptive Platform can rise 1.5 metres in 27 minutes (55 millimetres in one minute), which is faster than the rate water has risen in all known cases of flooding in the UK. If there’s a scenario where a faster rate of rise is required, the system can be configured to respond earlier to rising water and gearing ratios on the platform can also be adjusted so it rises more quickly.

What triggers the platform to rise?

The Flood Adaptive Platform is triggered to rise by FloodAdapt, Flood Technology Group’s advanced flood early warning system. This uses strategically located water sensors that detect rising water and trigger the platform to raise before the flood water arrives. FloodAdapt also provides highly accurate flood warning communications, customised to the individual user’s requirements and sent by text message, telephone call, WhatsApp message or via a range of other digital platforms, to support the timely and safe evacuation of people before flooding occurs.

To find out more about FloodAdapt, click here.

Can the Flood Adaptive Platform be retrofitted to existing buildings?

Yes, we have successfully fitted the Flood Adaptive Platform to mobile homes and holiday lodges. We’re also exploring how this technology can be cost-effectively retrofitted to existing buildings and infrastructure to enable them to rise above current and future flood levels.

How will the post-flood debris that gathers under the platform be removed?

As flood water recedes, the Flood Adaptive Platform will return to its starting position. Should the platform encounter resistance due to debris, it will stop. The Flood Technology Group’s maintenance team will attend the site after a flood, where necessary, to remove any accumulated debris.

Can I stay in my property during a flood event?

Local emergency planning guidance and site operational procedures should be followed in relation to property evacuation prior to or during a flood event.

To support this, FloodAdapt, Flood Technology Group’s advanced flood early warning system, provides highly accurate flood warning communications, customised to the individual user’s requirements. These are sent by text message, telephone call, WhatsApp message or via a range of other digital platforms, to support the timely and safe evacuation of people before flooding occurs.

To find out more about the FloodAdapt, click here.

Can I spread the cost of installing a Flood Adaptive Platform with business finance?

Yes, finance options are available.

Please contact us to find out more.

Can the platform be operated manually?

Yes, by a member of the Flood Technology Group’s maintenance team or a trained professional, such as a member of the Fire and Rescue Service.

Who carries out the ongoing operation and maintenance?

The Flood Technology Group’s maintenance team and/or professionals who have been appropriately trained by the Flood Technology Group, and have the necessary Lifting Operations Lifting Equipment Regulations (LOLER) qualifications, should carry out the annual maintenance of the Flood Adaptive Platform, along with any repairs.

Who provides the insurance?

Flood Technology Group holds product liability insurance, which covers accidental injury or damage arising from all our products.

Compass, which provides specialist insurance cover for holiday and residential park customers, will now consider providing full flood cover for caravans, lodges and park homes where a Flood Adaptive Platform has been manufactured, installed and maintained by Flood Technology Group.

Why are you using jacks to raise the platform - wouldn't a flotation system be more effective?

The Flood Adaptive Platform uses a jack-based system, rather than a flotation-based system. This approach is more cost-effective from a manufacturing, installation and operational perspective.

Based on research we’ve commissioned, The Flood Adaptive Platform costs 40 per cent less to install, operate and maintain than other comparable methods of flood risk mitigation, including flotation-based systems. Furthermore, the annual maintenance and testing required for the platform is simple and causes no disruption to whoever owns it.