Homeowners in Kirklees have been urged to check they have suitable flood protection measures in place to avoid costly damage to their properties.

The Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors said people living in areas prone to flooding should ensure that they have all their flood protection measures – such as flood-proof doors and windows, and non-return valves to the drainage system – in good working order.

Making sure gutters and drains are cleared of blockages is also essential, it said.

RICS recommends that homeowners consult the RICS Flooding Guide, a free publication designed to help the public prevent and deal with the consequences of flooding.

James Ginley, technical manager at Legal and General Surveying Services, said: “The weather in Yorkshire and Humber is certainly unpredictable at the moment, but it’s always better to be safe than sorry as the impact of flooding can be absolutely devastating.

“Therefore, it’s essential that homeowners do all they can to protect their properties from flooding with the aid of flood protection measures if appropriate, especially those in high flood risk areas.”

The RICS’ Flooding Guide can be downloaded for free at www.rics.org/flooding