The new codes and key messages are also available to view and download. Please make sure you understand and recognise the new warning codes and know what to do should they be issued for your area.
Do you live or work in an area at risk of flooding?
Over 5 million people in England and Wales live and work in properties that are at risk of flooding from rivers or the sea.
You can find out if you are at risk of flooding by visiting www.environment-agency.gov.uk/flood or by phoning Floodline on 0845 988 1188.
If you find out you are at risk, be warned and be prepared.
| Flood Warnings from the Environment Agency (external website) | |
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Be warned
New and improved flood warnings will be used from this winter. These will be simpler to understand, provide more local information and will give you clearer actions to take.
Changes to the Flood Warning System
Descriptions of the new flood warnings are as follows:
- A flood alert will indicate that flooding is possible and that people should make some preparations and remain vigilant
- A flood warning will indicate that flooding of homes and businesses is expected and people should act to reduce the impact of the flood.
- A severe flood warning will be used in extreme circumstances to tell people that flooding poses a significant risk to life.
You may see or hear these warnings through our Floodline Warnings Direct service and also on television weather broadcasts, local radio stations and the internet. From the end of November, the latest flood information will be added to the Environment Agency's website. This information will give you specific information for your area such as the times when flooding is expected, actual and forecast tide heights, river levels, and an indication of the locations likely to be affected.
Make sure you understand and recognise the new warning codes and know what to do should they be issued for your area.
****For a copy of the new flood warning descriptions and codes, please see the document attached at the bottom of this page****
Be prepared
To make sure you are prepared for flooding, visit our website www.environment-agency.gov.uk/flood or call Floodline to sign up for the FREE Floodline Warnings Direct service. This service will send you warning messages to your telephone, mobile or by e-mail, text message or fax.
It is important that you know how you can prepare for and take the right actions before a flood. It won't take you long to complete a Personal Flood Plan and can save you much anxiety during a flood. Download an template from www.environment-agency.gov.uk/flood or phone Floodline on 0845 988 1188.
You can also prepare for flooding by buying and installing flood products in advance. Visit www.environment-agency.gov.uk/flood for advice on preparing your property for flooding, or www.bluepages.org.uk for an independent directory of flood products. Look for the Kitemark to check that a product meets industry standards. 
