Check to see if you are eligible for flood alerts in your area

Flood-management officers are reminding the public of the damage that can be caused by flooding and advising on what people can do to keep themselves safe and limit the impact of flood waters on their property.

The Environment Agency is urging more people to sign up for flood-risk information.

In areas including Morpeth and Ponteland, the majority of residents who are eligible to receive flood warnings from Floodline Warnings Direct have signed up. There are also high sign-up rates in Warkworth and Rothbury.

The Agency’s Rachael McFarlane, flood resilience team leader for the North East, said: “Flooding can have a devastating effect on people’s lives, with as many as one in six properties at risk of flooding in the UK.

“So it’s essential that people understand the risks that flooding poses to property and personal safety, and that they find out what they can do to keep themselves warned and informed against any future flood risk.”

Check to see if free flood warnings are available in your community and sign up by calling Floodline on 0345 988 1188 or by visiting www.gov.uk/check-flood-riskFind out more about what to do at floodsdestroy.cam paign.gov.uk