1.1m at-risk homes want flood alert

26/09/11

By Kev Kiernan

Just over one million householders have joined a flood alert system being run by the Environment Agency in England.

About three-fifths of the people to sign up live in areas most at risk of flooding.

The number of those registering has quadrupled since just 2008: 1.1 million today compared with 300,000 back then. The agency said the proportion of the most at-risk homes signing up has increased from 14 per cent in 2008 to 60 per cent now.

Householders will be sent an alert telling them that flooding is on it way from nearby rivers and other bodies of water.

According to agency data, one in every six properties in England are in danger of being flooded.

Further parts of England will become eligible to be included in the warning system in due course, the agency added.

Spokesman Paul Leinster said: "Everyone should check the Environment Agency's website to see if their house is in a flood risk area and to find out what simple steps they can take to prepare for flooding such assigning up for free river and sea flood warnings."