06/01/2006 - Environment Agency Wales is raising flood awareness across south west Wales area with its 2006 Flood Warning calendar. Pupils from primary schools across the area took part in the 'Design a Calendar' competition. The successful entrants have won book tokens, along with a framed picture of their winning entries. The last major flooding incident in south west Wales occurred on 12 October 2005, when torrential rainfall brought flooding to properties in Solva and parts of Pembrokeshire.

The flood calendar features paintings of rivers during the course of a year as seen through the eyes of children living in these picturesque locations. Environment Agency Wales flood incident management team leader, Andy Irving will be visiting the winning schools in early 2006 to award the winners.

Andy said: 'The calendars are destined for those homes and businesses belonging to people who live in areas liable to flood who have registered to receive a flood warning directly from our free flood warning service. They provide useful information on what to do before, during and after a flood and they help to increase general awareness of flooding issues in the area.'

Flooding can cause massive emotional, as well as financial strain. At worst, flooding can cause death and injury. Serious flooding leaves houses uninhabitable for months meaning that people have the emotional upheaval of having to make alternative living arrangements. Whilst insurance can ease the financial blow, people often lose irreplaceable personal possessions. People can find out if their home or business is at risk by visiting the website or phoning Floodline.

Andy continued: 'By entering your postcode on the Flood Map in the Environment Agency Wales website, you can instantly see whether you live in an area at risk of flooding. The site also contains valuable information about what to do before, during and after a flood. I advise anyone living in a flood risk area to visit the website or phone Floodline as we just don’t know where or when the next serious flood will occur in Wales. So it's important to be prepared for flooding. Our 2005 Flood Warning calendar provides a handy reference of useful information and will help maintain that awareness throughout the year.'

Environment Agency Wales’ three steps to take to prepare for flooding:

Visit floodline on this website or call our 24 hour Floodline on 0845 988 1188 to find out if you are at risk of flooding
Find out if flood warnings are available in your area.
Make sure you understand the flood warning codes so you know what to do when a flood warning is issued