Flood warnings expanded

The Environment Agency is to double the number of homes and businesses that receive free telephone flood warnings by signing up 500,000 homes near rivers and the sea.

The opt-out, rather than opt-in service will start from the end of February. It will add to the 430,000 users who signed up to the warning voluntarily.

The extension of the organisation’s flood warning service was one of the key recommendations from the independent Pitt Review into the summer 2007 floods.

Expanding service

The Environment Agency is also continuing to expand the number of areas in the country that are eligible for its free flood warning service.

Environment Agency Chairman Lord Chris Smith said: “Last November’s devastating events in Cumbria remind us of the dangers of flooding and how being prepared is crucial.

“One in six homes in England and Wales are at risk of flooding. We urge everyone to check whether their property is at risk by visiting the Environment Agency’s website and taking steps to prepare, such as looking at ways to make properties more resistant to floods.

“By automatically signing up an extra 500,000 homes and businesses, we will more than double the number on our system to almost one million, giving more people vital time to get prepared for flooding, and by doing so, protecting lives and property.”

Devastating effect

Environment Secretary Hilary Benn said: "Flooding is devastating for those affected. We have seen how effective flood warnings can be during the recent flooding in Cumbria, and I hope extending flood warnings will help more people to protect themselves and their homes."