IN the last two years, 25 people in England and Wales have lost their lives as a result of flooding and thousands more have suffered traumatic and devastating damage to their homes.
The risk of flooding is faced by some five million people, including about 165,000 in the North West of England.
You can't always stop flooding, but advance preparations including a few simple steps can go a long way to reducing the impact.
Research shows very few people make such preparations, but steps such as keeping a list of useful telephone numbers, being prepared with sandbags or flood boards, storing sentimental and valuable items out of reach of flood water and making a "family flood plan" of what to do if flooding is imminent really do make a difference.
To find out more about protecting your property from flooding call the Environment Agency's Floodline on 0845 988 1188.
Liz Anspoks,
Regional Flood Warning Manager,
Environment Agency.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereComments are closed on this article