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FLOODS ONE YEAR ON: 'Sign up for flood alert'
ENVIRONMENT Agency bosses today warned Sheffield residents are putting themselves at risk if future flooding occurs by failing to sign up for a free warning service.
The city has one of the lowest amounts of people in the country signed up to the Floodline scheme, which warns subscribers of impending danger by telephone, text message, email, fax or pager.
Users are also given simple advice on what to do before, during and after a flood.
But just 11 per cent of households in high-risk areas of Sheffield have signed up, compared with 55 per cent in Barnsley and Rotherham, 52 per cent in Doncaster and 40 per cent in Chesterfield.
Sue O'Neill, area flood risk manager for the Environment Agency, said: "People have to accept that if they live on a flood plain or by a river, there is a flood risk. You have to be prepared.
"Floodline is a free service, gives people time to react, get things together and make sure they are safe; we're shocked at how few people in Sheffield have signed up."
Ms O'Neill said people in flood risk areas have been informed of the service by letter.
But Uzma Iffat, of Falding Street, Chapeltown, who was rescued from her home by firemen after being cut off by rising water, said: "I think it's a good idea but I haven't received any information about it. I think some people elsewhere might just be wanting to get on with their lives and put the flood behind them."
Ms O'Neill said reminders about Floodline will be sent to homes at risk – and also urged residents to have a look on the agency's website – www.environment-agency.gov.uk - or call 0845 9881188 for details.
She said: "Perhaps people don't want to know they are at risk but they should be prepared. There's a myth that if you sign up, your insurance might be affected but that's not true.
"We're trying to get the Government to change the system so people have to be included in the scheme unless they choose to opt out, rather than the other way round.
"The lack of take-up in Sheffield is quite disappointing because a lot of people were affected – but, at present, we have to accept it's their choice."
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Weather for Sheffield
Friday 10 February 2012
Today
Fog
Temperature: -6 C to 0 C
Wind Speed: 14 mph
Wind direction: South east
Tomorrow
Sunny spells
Temperature: -2 C to -1 C
Wind Speed: 9 mph
Wind direction: South west
