"I have seen some floods in my time in the town but this is certainly a bad one. Bits of the place that were submerged are slowly starting to reappear but they could disappear just as quickly with more heavy rain."

The Environment Agency aims to give you a 2 hour warning where it can forecast flooding.

Unfortunately, this isn't always possible. Weather forecasts may be incorrect, warnings may be issued too late or flash floods may catch everyone by surprise. Specific warnings cannot be given for many small rivers and streams. Often these rise too fast for warnings to be issued. The same applies to flooding from road drains, sewers or run off from hillsides.

General weather warnings on TV and radio supplied by the Met Office provide useful information and can help you prepare. Where and when we are able, we will issue specific flood warnings through the media or through our recorded information service on Floodline 0845 988 1188.

There are 1.3 million properties at risk of flooding in England and Wales. One of them could be yours. The better prepared you are, the better you'll cope with the effects of flooding.

Do what you can now to prepare for a flood. Don't leave it until the flood has started, you may not have time.

• Do keep a list of useful numbers somewhere you'll remember, e.g. your local council, the emergency services, your insurance company and the Environment Agency's Floodline number.

• Do check with Floodline on 0845 988 1188 whether there are specific flood warning arrangements for your area.

• Do get some sandbags (to block doors and airbricks but remember to ensure that there is adequate ventilation). Check in Yellow Pages under Builders Merchants or Flood Damage for local suppliers or ask your local authority for advice. You can also make them yourself by using old pillow cases or carrier bags filled with sand or earth.

• Do find out whether your area has flooded before. Look in the library or ask neighbours what happened and how they coped.

• Do make a flood kit. Keep a torch, battery or wind-up radio, and necessary medication, emergency numbers, rubber gloves and your insurance policy in a safe place, upstairs if possible.

• Do find out where to turn off your gas and electricity supplies. If you're not sure, ask the person who checks your meter when they next visit. Mark the tap or switch with a sticker to help you remember.

• Don't underestimate the damage a flood can do. Contact your insurance company to check you have adequate flood cover.

• Don't assume everyone knows what to do. Make a family flood plan and practise it. If you're not sure how to, there's a fact sheet about it in this pack. Do any of your neighbours need help during a flood?

• Don't wait for the flood to happen. Floods can occur very quickly. If you aren't prepared now, you may not have time to get ready once the flooding starts.