"The people here are used to being flooded, but not to seeing the water levels rise this much. The situation overtook some of them and they needed to be evacuated."

In areas where it is possible to forecast flooding from rivers or the sea, the Environment Agency aims to give at least two hours advance warning using a new system of flood warning codes introduced in September 2000.

The new, easily recognisable codes deliver clear information and practical advice so you know what action you should take on hearing them. They replace the old yellow-amber-red colour-codes and will be used in flood warning areas throughout England and Wales.

The new codes include, for the first time, a general early alert for flooding from all watercourses known as Flood Watch.

Flood Watch gives you a general early alert of possible flooding in the locality - like the 'weather watch' message you see on some TV weather forecasts. In areas where we cannot provide the full staged warning service it will act as a general alert helping people to take appropriate action, and to be vigilant concerning changes in the situation - for better or for worse.

Flood Watch will be a real benefit to the public, especially those who have previously had no warnings at all.

The new flood warning codes indicate the severity of flooding and level of danger:

FLOOD WATCH means flooding is possible. Be aware! Be prepared! Watch out!

FLOOD WARNING means flooding of homes, businesses and main roads is expected. Act now!

SEVERE FLOOD WARNING means serious flooding is expected. There is imminent danger to life and property. Act now!

All Clear will be issued when there are no longer flood watches or flood warnings in force. Flood water levels receding. Check all is safe to return. Seek advice.

You may hear any of the four warnings; they are not necessarily issued in sequence. For example in the case of a flash flood, a severe flood warning may be issued immediately with no other warning codes preceding it.

Flood warnings are broadcast on TV and radio and in some areas can be sent direct to people at home and work. For more information, see Factsheet 6.

All flood warnings are serious. Do take the following steps as soon as you hear a warning. Don't wait until the situation gets worse before you do anything. The better prepared you are, the better you will cope with the effects of flooding.

• Do watch what's happening. Is the weather getting worse? What are other people doing? Should you be doing the same?

• Do move your car to higher ground. It only takes two feet of fast flowing water to wash your car away.

• Do check on your neighbours. Do they need your help? Someone near you may not be able to escape upstairs. Or they may be unable to move furniture on their own.

• Do as much as you can in daylight. Doing anything in the dark will be a lot harder, especially if the electricity fails.

• Do block doors and airbricks with sandbags or floodboards. If you cannot get hold of sandbags through your local council improvise by filling old pillow cases or carrier bags with earth or sand. Remember to ensure that your property has adequate ventilation.

• Do try and keep things warm and dry. A flood can last longer than you think and it can get cold. Take some warm clothes and blankets upstairs to a safe place. Take a thermos and food supplies too.

• Don't leave valuable items where they might be damaged. Pile up furniture if you can and put valuable items like photographs or electrical equipment up high too. Tie up your curtains and roll up your carpets if you can.

• Don't leave power supplies on. Turn off the electricity and gas at the first sign of flooding to your property.

• Don't forget special requirements. If you are taking regular medication make sure you have it with you.

• Don't forget to secure and seal all your rubbish and any chemicals.