Sign up to be #floodaware

Almost five million people in England are at risk of flooding. As well as checking flood risk, people can also find out what to do if a flood happens and how to reduce risk to their personal safety and property.

The website also includes practical advice on how to prepare for flooding, such as moving treasured possessions upstairs and having important documents easily to hand.

Craig Woolhouse, a flood expert at the Environment Agency, said: "One in six properties in England is at risk of flooding. Many people think that flooding will never happen to them - but it could.

"Flooding can be devastating and we want you to know your flood risk and what to do in a flood so that you can reduce the impact on your family, home and business."

Floods Minister, Rory Stewart, said:  "Flooding can devastate lives, homes and businesses. That’s why we are investing in flood protection at record levels, with an unprecedented six-year commitment of £2.3 billion to better protect an additional 300,000 homes by 2021.

"We are also making more data and technology available to help people plan and prepare for potential floods. This includes the Environment Agency’s free Flood Warnings Service and our advanced flood mapping and forecasting.

"The #floodaware campaign will shine the light on all of this great work, giving vital support for those in high risk areas to help keep their homes safe, as well as helping everyone understand the risks and providing advice on how to prepare for flooding.

"The winter of 2013 to 2014 was the wettest in England for nearly 250 years but some 1.4 million properties were protected by Environment Agency flood defences. Further investment means that flood schemes have protected an extra 177,000 properties in the last four years."

The Environment Agency will be encouraging people to sign up to free flood warnings and alert friends and family on social media using the hashtag #floodaware. Visit Twitter and Facebook to get involved.

You can register by calling Floodline on 0345 988 1188 or by visiting the www.gov.uk website.