Isra-Mart srl:Environment Agency promises flood warnings straight to your iPhone

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Isra-Mart srl news:

The Environment Agency has revealed that it is in talks with a number of developers about producing a flood risk warning system that can send alerts straight to smartphones.

A spokesman for the agency told BusinessGreen it was preparing to license data feeds providing updates on flood risk levels to developers working on applications for smartphones, such as the iPhone and HTC devices.

"The discussions are well advanced and a number of prototype applications have already been developed," he said. "We'd expect to see the first apps launch in the new year."

The news came as the Environment Agency yesterday announced improvements to its flood warning service for households and businesses, which will see it provide a provide a daily, online three-day flood forecast for England and Wales detailing flood risk from rivers, the sea and the potential for surface water flooding from intense rainfall.

In addition, flood warnings issued to almost one million homes and businesses by phone and text message will from this week include more localised information, with clearer advice on actions to take to help safeguard lives and property.

Craig Woolhouse, the Environment Agency's head of flood incident management, urged more households and businesses to sign up to the free early warning service.

"One in six homes in England and Wales is at risk of flooding," he said. "We urge everyone to check whether their property is at risk by visiting the Environment Agency's web site and taking steps to prepare, such as looking at ways to make properties more flood-proof."