Residents are being asked to register for flood warnings as we enter the time of year when flooding could pose a threat.

Redbridge Council is asking people living in the floodplain of the River Roding to sign up for the alerts and take advantage of flood advice on offer from the Council and the Environment Agency. Flood warnings are available from the Environment Agency’s Floodline which also provides advice on flood risk and what to do before, during and after a flood.

In October 2000 Redbridge was hit by severe flooding. Overnight storms caused water run off from farmland to swell the River Roding. Surface water flooding added to the problems as drains were unable to empty into the River Roding and floodwater backed up into the streets. In some parts of the Borough the floodwater was over five feet deep.

Following the emergency, it was found that many residents had not registered to receive the flood warnings and had thrown away the flood warning leaflets from the Environment Agency. To register call the Environment Agency Floodline on 0845 988 1188.

Residents living outside the Roding floodplain are encouraged to take advantage of the Council’s advice too as severe rainstorms and burst water mains can cause flooding outside of floodplains.

As well as providing information The Council is also on the look out for residents who are willing to become Flood Wardens. Flood Wardens alert members of the community when there is a flood risk helping making Redbridge a safer place to live for everyone, especially vulnerable residents.

Cllr Vanessa Cole, Cabinet Member for Community safety, said, "The safety and well-being of residents is paramount to Redbridge Council and it's important that residents do what they can to protect themselves from the risk of flooding.

"In the event of such an emergency people need reassurance that they can get information quickly, that there is someone close by who will have details of what to do, plus ensure that the most vulnerable members of the community are helped first.

"I would encourage everyone to sign up to the Environment Agency's Floodline and contact the Council for more flooding information so together we can make Redbridge a safer place to live."

Residents who would like to know more can attend a meeting and discuss flooding issues on Tuesday, 4 November at 7.15pm at Broadmead Baptist Church, Chigwell Road, Woodford Green.

Alternatively you can find out more about flooding, becoming a Flood Warden and have additional advice leaflets sent to you by contacting Redbridge Emergency Planning Team with your name, address & postcode at emergency.planning@redbridge.gov.uk, or by telephone on 020 8708 5897/5871.