The Environment Agency issues flood warnings to people at risk in a variety of ways, either direct to people at home or at work or indirectly through the media.

Direct warnings are designed to grab people's attention, so the warnings are usually short and sharp.

Broadcast warnings can contain more information and advice so people know what to do. Using the media also allows us to reach more people.

Direct Warnings:

Telephone, Fax or Pager
If you live or work in an area prone to flooding from rivers or the sea you may be able to receive flood warnings direct by phone at home, or at work, via the Agency's Automated Voice Messaging service (AVM).

The system automatically telephones you at home or at work and, when you answer, plays a recorded flood warning message. The messages can be sent to all types of telephone including mobile phones and fax machines. If there is no answer the system will try several more times or it will divert to another phone or answerphone. AVM is the most common method of issuing flood warnings directly to people at risk.

We can also send flood warnings as short pager messages to people at risk of flooding. Please note that only certain types of pager are compatible with our system.

Flood Wardens
Some Agency offices use flood wardens to alert the local community when a flood warning is issued. The flood warden is contacted direct by the Agency, and passes the information on to neighbours.

Public Address Systems / Loudhailer Systems and Sirens
Public address, loudhailer or siren systems are used in many flood risk areas to warn the public that a flood warning has been issued in their area. This is particularly valuable in urban areas, where we need to alert large numbers of people as quickly as possible.

Broadcast Warnings:

Floodline 0845 988 1188
You can call the Environment Agency's Floodline 0845 988 1188 for the latest flooding information. The recorded flood warning information service will tell you if there are any flood warnings in force in your local area, 24 hours a day.

You can also request a copy of the Agency's Floodline Information pack or, at certain times (8am-8pm weekdays, 10am-4pm weekends and Bank holidays), talk directly with our Floodline operators for information and advice. During these times a minicom service is available for hearing-impaired people on 0845 602 6340.

Radio
Radio plays a key role in providing flood warnings to local communities during floods. We send warnings for broadcast to all BBC local radio stations in England and Wales and many independent stations. If serious flooding is likely warnings may also be broadcast on national radio weather forecasts.

Warnings are normally broadcast on weather and traffic bulletins. Make sure you know which stations broadcast in your area.

Television
Most regional television stations broadcast flood warnings as part of their weather reports. If major flooding is likely, warnings may also be broadcast on national TV weather forecasts.

Teletext
All flood warnings are displayed on Teletext regional weather pages (page 154).

Internet
Other useful sites which may include information on developing flooding situations include the BBC and Met Office.

Where To Find Out More
Information on how flood warnings are issued locally can be found in local flood warning plans. Copies of these can be viewed at local Agency offices. Phone Floodline for more information: 0845 988 1188.