Residents of Norfolk, Suffolk and Essex could soon receive a text message from the Environment Agency to let them know they have been automatically registered for free flood warnings.
Mobile users on the O2 network who live in areas at high risk of flooding will receive an automated text message informing them that they have been signed up, with a link to let them know what they should do if they receive a flood warning, and the option to opt out.
Once registered, people will receive a message directly to their mobile if a flood warning is issued for their area giving them vital time to prepare.
Graham Verrier, area flood risk manager at the Environment Agency, said: 'If you get the text, it is because you live in an area at risk of flooding, so we would urge people to stay registered to the service.'
The agency plans to add a customers on Vodafone and the Three network in due course.
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