Smart flood warnings

iPhone owners can now receive flood warnings direct to their phone.

The Environment Agency has made a free application, called Flood Alert, available to members of the public and businesses that provides realtime flood information.

The service sends localised warnings when flooding is possible, by phone, text or fax. It also gives users information on what they should do to help reduce flood risk, for example how to floodproof a building.

The application can be downloaded from Apple's iTunes website and is available throughout England and Wales 24 hours a day. Both an Android and a BlackBerry version will be launched in the next few months.

At the same time, the Scottish Environment Protection Agency has launched its new Floodline direct warning service, which aims to give those at risk of flooding valuable time to take action and protect their homes and businesses.

Anyone can sign up to the service and receive details on the likelihood and timing of any potential flooding threat.