Citation
(2002), "Flood season alert", Disaster Prevention and Management, Vol. 11 No. 2. https://doi.org/10.1108/dpm.2002.07311bab.004
Publisher
:Emerald Group Publishing Limited
Copyright © 2002, MCB UP Limited
Flood season alert
The flood warning service – know your codes !
In England and Wales the Environment Agency operates a flood warning service in areas at risk of flooding from rivers or the sea. Using the latest available technology, Agency staff monitor rainfall, river levels and sea conditions 24 hours a day and use this information to forecast the possibility of flooding. If flooding is forecast, warnings are issued using a set of four easily recognisable codes.
Each of the four codes indicates the level of danger associated with the warning. The codes are not always used in sequence; for example, in the case of a flash flood, a severe flood warning may be issued immediately, with no other warning code preceding it.
The codes are shown on TV weather bulletins, together with the Floodline telephone number, on Teletext (p. 154) and broadcast on local radio travel and weather reports. In areas of high risk flood warnings may be sent direct to people at home or work.
Flooding: face facts
A total of five million people in England and Wales are at risk from flooding every year, principally during the flood season (September to April):
- •
A total of two million homes and 185,000 businesses are at risk of flooding.
- •
Scientists confirm that there is evidence of increasing winter season rainfall and river flow extremes over the past 40 years.
- •
Property, land and assets to the value of £214 billion are at risk of flooding in England and Wales.
- •
Since 1999, 28 people have died as a direct result of flooding, including children. Thousands have suffered shock, trauma and devastating damage to their homes and possessions.
- •
Many families have still not moved back into their homes following the Autumn 2000 floods.
- •
Awareness of flooding is growing, but people who have not directly experienced a flood in their own home are far less likely to take preventive action, despite knowing that they are at risk.
- •
There are practical steps you can take to prepare yourself, your family and your home. For free information and advice on the warning services in your area and practical guides on how to flood-proof your home call Floodline.