WARNING signs cautioning residents of flood dangers are being changed today (Tuesday) following 55,000 homes being hit by severe deluges in 2007.

The Environment Agency are changing the flood codes subsequent to the public consultation launched as part of the Pitt Review after the July floods three years ago.

The new signals include the Flood alert, which is replacing the flood watch. A flood alert will indicate that flooding is possible and that you need to be prepared.

The next step up from that are Flood warnings, indicating flooding is expected and that you should take immediate action.

The last signal is the Severe flood warning. This will tell people that there is severe flooding and danger to life. These will be issued only when flooding is posing significant risk to life or disruption to communities.

A spokeswoman for the agency said: “The Environment Agency has developed an improved set of public warning messages and codes capable of use for all flood risks with greater emphasis on action and what needs to be done.”

The free Floodline warnings are provided by the agency.

If you wish to receive them call 0845 988 1188 or register online via our link (top right).