Environment Agency launch new flood codes

Those at risk of flooding in the Midlands will see an improved and extended flood warning service, provided free of charge by the Environment Agency.

 

During the summer floods of 2007 the Midlands experienced some the most devastating floods in recent history. 10,460 properties and businesses were flooded throughout the region between June and July. The flooding of Mythe water treatment works in Tewkesbury created one of the UK’s worst post-World War II emergencies, leading to the loss of piped water supply to 350,000 customers in over 138,000 properties in the Gloucester area for two weeks.

 

In response, Sir Michael Pitt stated that a number of systems needed to be improved to stimulate a more effective response from both professional partners and the public. This included changes to the flood warning system and improving the way in which the Environment Agency provides its online forecasting.

Warnings issued to homes and businesses by phone and text message will now include more localised information about potential flood risk from rivers and the sea, with clearer advice on actions to take to help safeguard lives and property. The existing ‘flood watch’ – the lowest level of warning – is replaced by ‘flood alert’, and icons have been redesigned to make them clearer and easier to understand. ‘Flood warning’ means that flooding of homes and businesses is expected, urging people to take action to prepare. A ‘severe flood warning’ will be issued when flooding poses significant risk to life.

 

The Environment Agency will also now provide a daily, three-day flood forecast for England and Wales on its website of flood risk from rivers, the sea and the potential for surface water flooding from intense rainfall.

Earlier this year, the Midlands Environment Agency automatically signed up some 50,000 additional homes and businesses to receive free localised river and sea flood warnings, more than doubling the total registered to over 100,000 properties.

 

Mark Sitton-Kent, Midlands Regional Director, said:

 

"The launch of the new flood codes is just one aspect of the wider improvements being made to the Environment Agency’s flood warning service. The new flood warning messages will include more localised information, with clearer advice on the action people need to take.

 

"We would urge every resident and business in the Midlands to check whether their property is at risk of flooding by visiting the Environment Agency’s website, or calling the Environment Agency’s Floodline on 0845 988 1188, and taking steps to prepare"

 

More information on the new flood warning codes can be found online at www.environment-agency.gov.uk/floodmidlands.

 

 

Flooding is possible. Be prepared.

 

Two hours to two days in advance of flooding.

 

Be prepared to act on your flood plan. Prepare a flood kit of essential items. Monitor local water levels and the flood forecast on our website.

 

 

Flooding is expected. Immediate action required.

 

Half an hour to one day in advance of flooding.

 

Move family, pets and valuables to a safe place. Turn off gas, electricity and water supplies if safe to do so. Put flood protection equipment in place.

 

 

Severe flooding. Danger to life.

 

When flooding poses a significant threat to life.

 

Stay in a safe place with a means of escape. Be ready should you need to evacuate from your home. Co-operate with the emergency services. Call 999 if you are in immediate danger.

 

 

Warnings no longer in force (no symbol)

 

 

No further flooding is currently expected in your area.

 

When river or sea conditions begin to return to normal.

 

Be careful. Flood water may still be around for several days. If you've been flooded, ring your insurance company as soon as possible.