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| Version 3 | Version 4 |
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| Households 'ignore' flood warning | Households 'ignore' flood warning |
| (about 1 hour later) | |
| The Environment Agency is warning that 75% of people whose homes are at risk of flooding in Wales have failed to take action to protect their property. | The Environment Agency is warning that 75% of people whose homes are at risk of flooding in Wales have failed to take action to protect their property. |
| It has also warned that an increasing number of people are at risk as a result of climate change. | It has also warned that an increasing number of people are at risk as a result of climate change. |
| It described some people were "in denial" with only 20% at risk signed up to its direct flood warning service. | It described some people were "in denial" with only 20% at risk signed up to its direct flood warning service. |
| Properties in the north Wales' coastal areas are offered the phone, email or text service for the first time. | |
| Environment Agency Wales Director Chris Mills said: "A lot of people actually living in the flood plain are unaware or indeed in denial of the risks they are facing. | Environment Agency Wales Director Chris Mills said: "A lot of people actually living in the flood plain are unaware or indeed in denial of the risks they are facing. |
| "It's surprising that so many people take no steps whatsoever to safeguard their home against the increasing risk of flooding - even though they all lock their doors to protect their homes and possessions against burglary." | "It's surprising that so many people take no steps whatsoever to safeguard their home against the increasing risk of flooding - even though they all lock their doors to protect their homes and possessions against burglary." |
| FLOOD INFORMATION Floodline 0845 988 1188 Floodline website | FLOOD INFORMATION Floodline 0845 988 1188 Floodline website |
| The agency calculates that flooded homeowners stand to lose on average more than £28,000, compared to a loss of £900 if they are burgled. | The agency calculates that flooded homeowners stand to lose on average more than £28,000, compared to a loss of £900 if they are burgled. |
| Of the 170,000 homes and businesses at risk from flooding in Wales, the EA said it could currently provide a direct flood warning service to more than 90,000. | Of the 170,000 homes and businesses at risk from flooding in Wales, the EA said it could currently provide a direct flood warning service to more than 90,000. |
| But only 20% of these have registered with the service, despite being contacted through flood awareness campaigns. | But only 20% of these have registered with the service, despite being contacted through flood awareness campaigns. |
| Anybody at risk that doesn't take moves to help themselves, especially with climate change is really deluding themselves Mary Dhonau, National Flood Forum | Anybody at risk that doesn't take moves to help themselves, especially with climate change is really deluding themselves Mary Dhonau, National Flood Forum |
| Richard White, a councillor in the Gwent levels area which lies below the high tide mark but is protected by a sea wall, said the danger from flooding is on the back of people's minds. | Richard White, a councillor in the Gwent levels area which lies below the high tide mark but is protected by a sea wall, said the danger from flooding is on the back of people's minds. |
| He said: "There is always the possibility that you can get freak on-shore winds combined with high spring tides, which could cause an overspill. | He said: "There is always the possibility that you can get freak on-shore winds combined with high spring tides, which could cause an overspill. |
| 'Sewerage' | 'Sewerage' |
| "With the climate change warnings that we're receiving all the time, there's a possibility that sea levels will rise and the sea wall in future will have to be raised even higher." | "With the climate change warnings that we're receiving all the time, there's a possibility that sea levels will rise and the sea wall in future will have to be raised even higher." |
| Mary Dhonau is co-ordinator of the National Flood Forum, set up after the floods of 2000, said a number of practical measures, such as covering up air bricks, could cut the damage by flooding. | Mary Dhonau is co-ordinator of the National Flood Forum, set up after the floods of 2000, said a number of practical measures, such as covering up air bricks, could cut the damage by flooding. |
| She said: "Anybody at risk that doesn't take moves to help themselves, especially with climate change is really deluding themselves and they're making a very big mistake." | She said: "Anybody at risk that doesn't take moves to help themselves, especially with climate change is really deluding themselves and they're making a very big mistake." |
| Jeff Jones, a local government consultant, said: "Much of localised flooding is not caused by houses being built on flood plains, it's a drainage issue. | Jeff Jones, a local government consultant, said: "Much of localised flooding is not caused by houses being built on flood plains, it's a drainage issue. |
| "The drains are not able to cope with a huge increase in water or were badly planned in the past." | "The drains are not able to cope with a huge increase in water or were badly planned in the past." |
| More than 4,000 homes and businesses in areas of north Wales will be offered the environment agency's flood warning service. | More than 4,000 homes and businesses in areas of north Wales will be offered the environment agency's flood warning service. |
| The EA is running road shows across Wales to raise awareness of the risks of flooding, which continue at Kinmel Bay community resource centre on Wednesday, 1000 -1800 GMT. | The EA is running road shows across Wales to raise awareness of the risks of flooding, which continue at Kinmel Bay community resource centre on Wednesday, 1000 -1800 GMT. |
| Homeowners can also find out if their home is at risk by logging on to www.environmentagency. gov.uk/floodline or calling floodline on 0845 988 1188. | Homeowners can also find out if their home is at risk by logging on to www.environmentagency. gov.uk/floodline or calling floodline on 0845 988 1188. |