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They say relatively cheap upgrades, including toilet bungs and air brick covers, can help cut damage and costs.

"Door guards, air brick covers, alternative airbags and one-way valves are all good products that can stop the water even entering your house in the first place."

He advocated using "flood boards" to block doorways and air brick covers instead.

"About half of the people were put off by the price of flood protection," he said, adding that two door guards and some air brick covers would cost almost £2,000.

Lord Smith said that although many households already had certain defensive products in place, including air brick covers and door barriers, this was not enough.