RESIDENTS who live in flood risk areas in West Dorset have been urged to take measures to protect themselves.

The Environment Agency has encouraged property owners in the high risk zones to sign up to a new flood warning service and invest in simple flood defences.

The organisation held two open events in Lyme Regis and Uplyme when residents could find out more about what to do in the event of an emergency.

Community awareness officer Nick Reed said: “We have created flood warning areas and have written to people in these areas to let them know they can register to receive free flood warnings.”

The flood warning service monitors rainfall, river levels and sea conditions 24 hours a day and forecasts the possibility of flooding.

There are three types of warnings – flood alert, flood warning, and severe flood warning.

Residents in flood risk areas who are registered will receive warnings by phone, text, email or fax.

Mr Reed said: “We have got automatic gauges on the rivers and when the water reaches a certain level it will trigger an alert and everyone registered with the service would get an automatic telephone call.

“People can then take simple precautions like getting sandbags or flood protection products, making sure valuables downstairs are moved to higher ground, and moving your car up the road.

“Being prepared means you are able to cope better, which means you are able to recover better.”

Mr Reed said properties entitled to receive warnings should have received a letter, but if residents think they are at risk but not been notified, they can contact the Wessex flood resilience team on 01258 483326 or floodwessex@envi ronment-agency.gov.uk Warnings are on the Environment Agency website, through the media, flood wardens, or call Floodline on 0845 988 1188.

Residents can check if their property is in a flood risk area at environment-agency.gov.uk/flood

Steps to prepare for flooding:

  •  Prepare a kit of essential items
  •  Check insurance cover for flood
  •  Make a list of important contact numbers
  •  Know how to turn off utility supplies
  •  Move important items to safety
  •  Think about what else to move to safety, eg pets, furniture