Research by Norwich Union has revealed that homeowners in flood hit areas of the UK have done little or nothing to protect their property against the risk of future flood damage.

The study, which questioned 1500 people from across the UK and areas affected by the 2007 floods, reveals that 83% of those living in Gloucester, Tewksbury, Hull, Rotherham and Sheffield believe they can do nothing to protect their home from further flooding. As a result, 95% have not taken any action to prevent or reduce the potential damage and trauma of another flooding event.

Of those questioned, 46% said they chose not to make changes because they "wanted their home put back exactly as it was before" and 45% believe it is the responsibility of their local authority or the Government to take action.

Further key findings from the study include:

• 79% of people mistakenly believe there is nothing that can be done to protect homes from flooding damage except from moving furniture or using sand bags. A figure that increases to 83% for homeowners in flood hit areas
• 23% said their fear of flooding has increased which rises to 43% in flood hit areas
• 31% of people areas already hit by flooding say they don't know what to do to protect their property
• 20% believe it could be too expensive to make their homes flood resilient and 21% said it's too much hassle
• Just 29% of people living in areas hit by last year's floods think they live in a flood area.

Chief executive of the National Flood Forum, Mary Dhonau, commented... "Having been flooded myself, I know what an awful experience it can be. The findings of this report have shocked me because there is so much more people can do than using the humble, not to mention, ineffective sandbag. As someone who has witnessed the huge benefits of flood resilient repairs, I'm a huge advocate of taking measures to protect your home."

Head of flood mapping at Norwich Union, Simon Black, says "There is a clear need for more education and understanding about the benefits of flood resistant and resilient measures. While home insurance will protect people from the majority of costs caused by flooding, no insurance policy can replace those significant personal belongings with sentimental value. Similarly no policy will be able to spare families the inconvenience and stress of being forced from their homes while it is being dried out and repaired."

There is also a potential financial benefit for home owners that can show they have taken steps to protect their properties as insurers can take this into account when assessing future premiums and cover.