Flood Re to launch new flood bus

It will visit several locations to teach about flood resilience and preparation

Flood Re to launch new flood bus

Catastrophe & Flood

By Josh Recamara

Flood Re and the Scottish Flood Forum are set to launch a new Flood Bus named Flo next week in Edinburgh.

The initiative aims to promote property-level flood resilience and help communities in Scotland prepare for future flooding events.

The vehicle will be unveiled during the Scottish Flood Resilience Conference, hosted by environmental organisation Sniffer from January 28 to 29. Flood Re’s interim chief executive officer Stuart Logue will also speak at the conference, discussing approaches to flood resilience.

Flo has been designed to showcase Property Flood Resilience (PFR) measures and Build Back Better (BBB) repairs. It targets a wide audience, including brokers, insurers, claims service providers, flood risk professionals, suppliers, builders and communities at risk of flooding.

Following its launch, Flo will engage with local groups in Perth, supporting the Water’s Rising exhibition at a local museum. From mid-March, the bus will visit flood-prone areas across Scotland, working with the Scottish Flood Forum and participating in regional resilience events.

The Flood Bus will provide information on preparing for floods, case studies on the benefits of small investments and details of Flood Re’s Build Back Better scheme. It will also offer guidance for professionals on the Ciria PFR Code of Practice and accredited PFR training.

“Flood resilience isn’t just a technical term – it’s a lifeline for communities,” Logue said. “The Flood Bus will bring greater understanding and insight into how modifications and design changes can significantly reduce the impact and cost of flooding on households. Flo, equipped with physical PFR measures and an immersive VR experience, will help visitors understand how to adapt their homes.”

As of Q3 2024, 17,829 insurance policies in Scotland had been ceded to Flood Re, underlining the ongoing challenges posed by flooding. The Flood Bus seeks to bridge the gap between awareness and action, empowering individuals to protect their homes and communities.

Carol Raeburn, director of the Scottish Flood Forum, commented: “We are delighted that Flo is joining our family. She will be a key tool in helping flood risk communities prepare for flooding and build resilience.”

“The Flood Bus will also help raise awareness among suppliers and trades supporting these communities, further advancing the Build Back Better initiative,” she said.

Flo represents a collaborative effort to enhance flood preparedness and resilience across Scotland, bringing critical resources and education directly to those most affected.

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