Residents and businesses at risk of flooding from the River Sherbourne, River Sowe and Canley Brook in Coventry and surrounding areas, can now receive flood warnings.
People with a landline in the areas at risk of flooding will automatically be signed up to receive the free service. They will receive letters and phone messages at the beginning of November explaining what the service offers.
We would urge everyone in these areas to sign up to the full warning service by calling 0845 988 1188 or visiting our website. At present we only have people’s landline numbers as a contact. We can also send warnings via text, mobile phone or email.
Laura Palmer, Flood Resilience Team Leader, said: “Coventry does not have a history of flooding from rivers, but the rainfall over the summer has shown us that extreme flooding can happen in places where it has never been known before.
“This is why we urge people to sign up to our warnings and take steps to prepare. Look out for these letters arriving in the post over the next few days. If you receive one please act on the information, because your property could be at risk.
“The emotional cost of flooding can far outweigh any financial costs, but there is a lot you can do now to prepare. By registering to receive flood warnings you will have taken the first important step.
“It is also important to plan what to do before and during a flood. The letter contains a Personal Flood Plan which we hope you will fill in, detach and keep safe. Don’t wait until a flood happens, you may not have time.”
The 10 new flood warning areas are: River Sowe at Bedworth, River Sowe at Longford. River Sowe at Wyken and Stoke, Coventry, River Sowe at Manor House, Coventry, River Sowe at Baginton, River Sherbourne at Pinley and Whitley, Coventry, River Sherbourne at Coventry City Centre, River Sherbourne at Allesley, Canley Brook at Tile Hill and Canley Brook at Canley. These will be available from 24 October.
Where possible, warnings are issued two hours prior to flooding to give those that are registered time to act to protect themselves and their property.
With one in six properties at risk from flooding in England, knowing your risk can help you decide how best to protect your home or business. There are simple things you can do to reduce the damage to your home or business.
• Find out if your home or business is at flood risk by entering your postcode at www.environment-agency.gov.uk/floodmidlands or calling 0845 988 1188.
• If you are at risk sign up to receive FREE flood warnings
• There are more steps you can take to help prepare on our website www.environment-agency.gov.uk/floodmidlands.
