A FLOOD warning service has gone live for almost 50 properties near the River Tees.

The Environment Agency's flood warnings tell people about an imminent risk of flooding to their home of business and helps people make informed decisions about how to respond.

It is now offering such a service for 48 properties on the River Tees at Barnard Castle, which went live on August 18.

There are three types of warning – Flood Alert, Flood Warning and Severe Flood Warning.

Each warning type is triggered by particular weather, river or sea conditions which cause flooding.

Householders are encouraged to prepare if they receive a Flood Alert which could mean packing a bag that includes medicines, insurance documents and anything else they wouldn’t want to lose if flooding were to take place.

A Flood Warning calls on people to act now which means turning off gas, water and electricity and moving family and pats to safety.

A Severe Flood Warning means you are in immediate danger and to follow the advice of emergency services.

Leila Huntington, Flood Risk Manager for the Environment Agency in the North East, said: “We know the devastating impact that flooding can have, which is why protecting people and communities is our top priority.

"However, the climate emergency means we cannot prevent all flooding – so we’re working to make communities more resilient.

“We want to ensure that everyone has as much time as possible to prepare which is why we’re pleased that people in Barnard Castle will now be able to receive our free flood warning service.”

Government funding has enabled the Environment Agency to invest in the latest technology and infrastructure needed to provide a flood warning service in Barnard Castle and over 200 other communities across England.

In total an additional 62,000 properties at risk of flooding will receive Flood Warnings between now and the end of 2022.

It is an important part of the implementation of the Environment Agency’s Flood and Coastal Risk Management Strategy to better protect businesses and homes from flooding and create climate resilient places.

Home and business owners will be auto enrolled to the Flood Warning service via their mobile network.

However, to get the most benefit out of the service the Environment Agency is encouraging people to register directly with them by calling Floodline on 0345-9881188, or visiting flood-warning-information.service.gov.uk/warnings where they can register preferred contact details.

 

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