HUNDREDS of residents in Walton-le-Dale, Croston and Garstang received mock flood warnings to ensure the Environment Agency warning systems worked correctly.

The Agency issued flood warnings to more than 2,000 homes and businesses in Lancashire on November 2 to test communication links.

The warnings are issued through an Automatic Voice Messaging (AVM) system that sends a telephone message to homes at risk, ensuring people are alerted to the risk of flooding at the earliest opportunity.

The results of the test will be used to develop and improve existing flood warning methods.

Liz Kaar, the Environment Agency's flood warning operations manager, said: "It is vital that people living in flood zones are given the right warnings at the right time - and this test helped us achieve that.

"People shouldn't worry about the flood warning, but can help us by acknowledging the message as soon as possible.

"Many people don't realise they are at risk from flooding, but floods don't just happen to other people - they can happen to you.

"It is important for people in flood risk areas to be aware of what flood warnings mean.

"Too few people make advance preparations for flooding."

The Environment Agency operates a 24-hour flood forecasting and warning service for main rivers in England and Wales, monitoring weather and river conditions.

Warnings of potential flooding are issued to emergency services, local authorities and the public.

Anyone with a query on the warning tests or who wants to find out more about the AVM system should call the Floodline on 0845 9881188.

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