Environment agency expands online resources
Kablenet.com
Published: 07 Oct 2004 16:40 BST
The Environment Agency has launched a new online map service, aimed at giving people up to date information about flood risks.
Flood Map, launched on 7 October 2004 as part of the agency's £30m mapping project, marks the start of an awareness campaign alerting the public to the risk of flooding and helping them prepare to minimise damage.
The agency said that, for the first time, the new map will enable homeowners and businesses on a flood plain to see online not just whether their area is at risk, but the level of risk.
"We're in the business or flood defence and we need to make people aware if they're at risk," an environment agency spokesperson told Government Computing News. "Previous versions of less accurate maps have been available online, but this map is more accurate and it gives a gradient of risk: low, moderate or high."
Flood Map uses a digital model of England and Wales, along with local surveys, to give a comprehensive picture of risk. According to the agency, it offers more extensive coverage than its predecessors, and takes into account the risks from smaller rivers, 35 percent of the total, that were previously unmapped.
Sir John Harman, chair of the environment agency, said: "We are encouraging everyone, particularly those living and working in areas prone to flooding, to use it. Find out whether or not you and your property, your family and friends are at risk from flooding and decide what action you need to take – don't leave it too late."
Director general of the Association of British Insurers, Mary Francis, said: "Property owners in areas at risk from flooding can take action to protect their homes and belongings; planning authorities can ensure that development does not proceed in inappropriate locations of the floodplain; and insurers can continue to help and advise their customers on the basis of the best possible information."
People without Internet access can get information from the agency's Floodline on 0845 988 1188.
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