THE Environment Agency believes that at least 1.3 million households in England and Wales are at risk from flooding.

In the past two years extreme weather conditions have meant that floods have devastated many parts of the country, causing 21 deaths and more than £400 million worth of damage.

On Monday October 18, the Environment Agency is launching its first Flood Awareness Week to alert as many people as possible whose homes or businesses are in risk areas, and to ensure they know what they can do to reduce the damage and misery which flooding can cause.

A new telephone information service will be launched from that date to help people find out if their homes or businesses are at risk, and to provide practical guidance.

The regional office of the Environment Agency will also be working hard in the area to publicise the campaign. While we cannot control the elements, we can make sure that people know if they are at risk and what to do.

If your relatives, friends or business colleagues have homes or businesses which may be affected by floods, please make sure that they know about this campaign.

ED GALLAGHER

Chief Executive,

Enviroment Agency.

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