17/12/2008 - Government sounds flood-risk alarm
Many small businesses and homeowners in flood-risk areas may not realise the dangers they are facing, the Environment Agency has said.
Ahead of the Government's official response to last year's devastating flooding, the agency has urged the public to be better prepared.
It says that 2.2 million of the five million people in England and Wales who have properties in flood-risk areas need to face up to the threat.
A poll found just 9% of those whose properties could flood have found out how to stay safe, and only just 3% have a kit of essential items such as insurance documents and important contact details.
The agency's chief executive Paul Leinster said: "More people are becoming aware of the risks a flood might pose, but we are encouraging everyone to sign up to our Floodline Warnings Direct Service.
"The annual clean up cost of flooding is around £1.1 billion and rising. We all need to face up to flood risk as climate change will dramatically increase the number of homes affected.
"We will continue to invest in managing flood risk, but householders need to play their part by being fully prepared."
Copyright © Press Association 2008
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