IN the last two years, 25 people in England and Wales have lost their lives as a result of flooding, and thousands more have suffered traumatic and devastating damage to their homes.
The risk of flooding is faced by some five million people, including about 165,000 in the North West of England. You can't always stop flooding, but advance preparations, including a few simple steps, can go a long way to reducing the impact.
Research shows very few people make such preparations, but steps such as keeping a list of useful telephone numbers, being prepared with sandbags or flood boards, storing sentimental and valuable items out of reach of flood water, and making a "family flood plan" of what to do if flooding is imminent, really do make a difference.
Monday, September 11, is the start of the Environment Agency's "Flood Action Week", which is about recognising the risks and encouraging people to be better prepared. To find out more about protecting your property from flooding, call the Environment Agency's Floodline on 0845 988 1188.
Liz Anspoks
Regional Flood Warning Manager
Environment Agency
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