Smartphone users can get real-time flood alerts

Using the Environment Agency’s live flood-warning feeds, Halcrow created the Flood Alert smartphone application that allows users to quickly monitor flooding in areas that are important or close to them.

A free version of Flood Alert for the iPhone can be downloaded from the Apple ’App Store’, and Android users will also be able to download it from the Android Market later in 2011.

The Flood Alert app allows users to monitor the live status of flood alerts that are relevant to their current location, live status of flood alerts for up to two locations, and live flood-alert information displayed by regions defined by the Environment Agency.

Once users have registered for an account, they will receive flood warnings up to two days in advance of when the flooding is expected to occur. Notifications will be provided for each of the user’s saved locations allowing them to prepare themselves well in advance.

This application provides information and advice on what the user should do if at risk from flooding. It also links directly to the Environment Agency website through the phone’s web browser, allowing the user to access further information.