THE Environment Agency is set to roll out its text message flood warning scheme this week.

This will involve automatically alerting residents when their area is at risk of flooding.

Residents will then be able to take action to negate the impact of flooding by evacuating homes or moving belongings to higher ground.

Northwich is among the areas which will receive the automatic mobile flood warnings as part of the scheme’s roll out in Cheshire, Merseyside and Greater Manchester.

The Environment Agency say that residents may receive a text message from them at some point this week informing them that they have been automatically registered for free flood warnings.

The message will include a link to let them know what they should do if they receive a flood warning and the option to opt out.

Once registered, people will receive a message directly to their mobile if a flood warning is issued for their area in the future.

“Being registered for flood warnings can give people vital advance notice of flooding and crucial time to prepare,” said Pete Costello, area flood risk manager at the Environment Agency.

“If you get a welcome text this week, it is because you live in an area at risk of flooding.

“We would urge people to stay registered to the service and learn what to do if you receive a warning by viewing our free flood guide at flood-warninginformation.service.gov.uk/what-to-do-in-a-flood.”

Everyone can sign up for the Environment Agency’s free flood warnings.

To do so and to access the latest flood safety advice, visit gov.uk/sign-up-for-flood-warnings.