New net info keeps head above water

Citation

(2002), "New net info keeps head above water", Disaster Prevention and Management, Vol. 11 No. 2. https://doi.org/10.1108/dpm.2002.07311bab.003

New net info keeps head above water

For the first time the public can access up-to-the-minute flood warnings in England and Wales, 24 hours a day, through the Internet at http://www.environment-agency.gov.uk/floodwarning

The new flood warning service comes after the launch of online floodplain maps at the height of the Autumn 2000 floods, when nearly a million people logged on to the service on day one to check whether they were in a flood-prone area.

During Autumn 2000 floods a total of 1,437 flood warnings were issued, of which 190 were severe.

Special features on the flood warning Web site include:

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  National summaries of flood warnings in force for the whole of England and Wales, as well as regional summaries.

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  Search by map, town, postcode or nearest river.

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  Flood warning history – the last five flood warnings recorded for each area.

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  Maps of flood warning areas covered by the new service.

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  Supporting information – TV and radio stations that broadcast flooding information, and quick-dial numbers to make it easier to use Floodline.

The site is the first UK Government Web system built to withstand one million hits a day and to offer 24-hour automatic updating, every 15 minutes.

The new service is part of the UK Environment Agency's programme to improve public access to vital information about flooding and to increase awareness about flood risk, enabling people to prepare and protect themselves. It is available in English and Welsh.

The system is believed to be unique in Europe in being able to join up multiple data sources used for generating voice and fax alerts into a single system which fires warning messages electronically to the Internet.

Jim Haywood, Head of the National Flood Warning Centre at the Environment Agency, said:

Flooding is a real risk. Research has shown that nearly a third of people who were flooded last Autumn (2000) had taken no action to prepare. There are simple steps everyone can take in advance. People should keep alert to flood warnings, know what to do and take action when a warning is issued. Online flood warnings are an important new way to help people wise up and prepare for flooding.

The Internet is one of a number of ways the Environment Agency issues flood warnings –’you can also call the Agency's 24-hour Floodline 0845 988 1188 for recorded flood warning summaries. Warnings are also broadcast on many local and national TV and radio stations.

Online flood warnings

December 2001 saw phase 1 of the project. It will display flood warnings in designated flood warning areas covering 1,300 locations in England and Wales, providing information to some 1.17 million homes and businesses. Phase 2 of the project will be launched in 2002, and will extend the service to the whole floodplain, covering 1.9 million properties.

In Scotland, flood warnings are available on SEPA's Web site: www.sepa.org.uk

Several guides are available that provide invaluable advice on flooding:

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  Flood Directory. The Flood Directory contains practical information on the Agency's flood warning code system and how to protect yourself, your family and your home in the event of flooding. It also gives a list of useful telephone numbers and a map showing your local flood warning area.

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  Damage Limitation. This guide gives practical advice on how to make your home more likely to withstand the effects of flooding. Measures are often simple and do not need technical knowledge.

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  After a Flood. After a Flood will help you through this difficult time. It provides basic advice on what actions you need to take. Once prepared with information, you can start to take control of your immediate situation. Having a plan will help you deal more effectively with the recovery period and get your life back to normal.

For any of the publications listed above, or if you have any queries, you can download from the agency's Web site: www.environment-agency.gov.uk/floodline