Follow flood risk advice

Image copyright: www.innes.co.uk

Flooding in Oxford Street, off Wincolmlee, in November 1953

Residents across Hull have been urged to make use of a free service to help protect their homes from flooding.

Around 118,000 properties in Hull are at risk of flooding, according to the Environment Agency, which is the leading public body for protecting the environment in England and Wales.
The last time the city was flooded was in 1969, leaving homes and businesses devastated.
Although the Hull Tidal Barrier has greatly reduced the risk of this happening again, it is impossible to completely prevent flooding, say experts.
Meanwhile, the Environment Agency has set up a free service called Floodline Warnings Direct, which alerts people living in high-risk areas when flooding is imminent.
People who sign up to the service will receive text messages to their mobile phones, giving them time to take action to protect their property.
Around 2,400 people in Hull are now using the service, but many more can still sign up.
Cllr Dave Woods, who has responsibility for the environment in Hull, said: "As concern over global warming increases, I would back any measures Hull residents can take to assess their flood-risk and protect their homes.
"I urge people across the city to make use of the Environment Agency's help."
To find out if you are in a flood-risk area, and for advice on securing your property, call the Floodline on 0845 988 1188, or visit the website www.environment-agency.gov.uk * and check the online 'flood map'.

Don't miss next month's Hull in print for more information on flooding.