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	Flood awareness
	Flood Maps The Environment Agency publishes maps which show the likelihood of flooding in your area.  These maps give a broad indication, but you should also consider the individual locality of your property.  For instance, if your property is on higher ground, then it is less likely to flood than that in a neighbouring street, even though they are in the same flood plain area. You can check to see if you live in a flood area by entering your postcode in the link provided on the Environment Agency’s website (external website). Flood Warnings The Environment Agency has a simple system for alerting property-owners to the risk of flooding.  These flood warnings (external website) are updated every 15 minutes. There are four codes (external website) which indicate the level of danger.  These are: Flood Watch – a general warning of potential flooding due to weather conditions in the area Flood Warning – flooding is occurring in the area and you should take immediate action Severe Flood Warning – flood levels are increasing and it is dangerous for you to remain in the area All Clear – the flooding has now cleared and you can take steps to return to the property The warnings can be viewed online or by way of a notification service, which automatically updates you by fax or telephone.  You can register for this service at Floodline 0845 988 1188. Quick dial codes Flood warning information can also be obtained by calling the Environment Agency’s Floodline 0845 988 1188, which offers a choice of listening to a recorded message or speaking to an operator. Next time you telephone the Agency, you may find it useful to ask the operator for the quickdial number for your local area.  This quickdial number can be used to by-pass the main operator and access up-to-date information whenever you need it.

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