A new flood warning service has been launched by the Environment Agency to benefit 137 properties along Coledale Beck at Braithwaite.
It will see warning messages sent when there is an imminent risk of flooding and helps people make informed decisions about how to respond.
Residents can register for the new service for free and choose to receive notifications via phone call or text. A warning message will be issued when flooding is forecast and then again to warn users if flood impacts are likely.
Householders are encouraged to prepare if they receive a flood alert which could mean packing a bag that includes medicines, insurance documents and anything else they would not want to lose if flooding were to take place.
A flood warning calls on people to ‘act now’ which means turning off gas, water and electricity and moving family and pets to safety. A severe flood warning means people are in immediate danger and to follow advice from emergency services.
Stewart Mounsey, area flood and coastal risk manager for Cumbria, said: “We know the devastating impact that flooding can have, which is why protecting people and communities is our top priority.
“These warnings are there to help people prepare for and become more resilient to flooding incidents and this new service will allow people to take appropriate action when flooding is forecast
“We would encourage all of those in the affected areas across Cumbria to sign up for our free warnings for both their safety and peace of mind.”
Additional funding from the Government has enabled the Environment Agency to invest in the latest technology and infrastructure needed to provide a flood warning service in Cumbria and more than 200 other communities across England.
This latest expansion follows on from multiple expansions since 2021 to Church Beck and Yewdale Beck, Coniston, as well as Ambleside, the River Crake Valley and Parham Beck at Carlisle.
This summer The Environment Agency launched new flood warning services for: Whelpo Beck, Gill Beck and Cald Beck at Caldbeck, River Wyre at Harrington, Blind Beck at Kendal and the River Ellen at Blennerhasset and Baggrow.
In total, an additional 62,000 properties at risk of flooding will receive flood warnings between now and the end of 2022. It is an important part of the implementation of the Environment Agency’s Flood and Coastal Risk Management Strategy to better protect businesses and homes from flooding and create climate resilient places.
Home and business owners will be auto enrolled to the flood warning service via their mobile network.
However, to get the most benefit out of the service the Environment Agency is encouraging people to register directly with them by calling Floodline on 0345 988 1188, or visiting https://flood-warning-information.service.gov.uk/warnings where they can register preferred contact details.
