THE Environment Agency is urging Teignbridge residents to check online if they are at risk of flooding this winter and sign-up to their free flood warnings.

One in six properties across the country is at risk of flooding and, the agency said, more than two thirds of adults haven’t checked if their home is at risk in the last 12 months.

This number increases to 75 per cent of 18-24 year olds who haven’t checked, many of whom live in rented accommodation.

Sir James Bevan, chief executive of the Government agency, said: ‘Flooding is an ever-present risk and everyone has a part to play in protecting themselves. You can find out if you are at risk online, and sign up to free flood warnings, which provide vital time for people to get themselves, their loved ones and their possessions out of harm’s way.

‘Simple actions such as moving possessions upstairs before a flood can save an average of £6,000 in damages, so the notice that a flood warning can give is really important.’

Across Devon, Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly a total of 66,681 properties are at risk of flooding, with 17,048 of those classified as being at high risk, and 52 communities are at a very high or high risk of flash flooding.

The area’s six-year capital investment programme, from 2015 to 2021, contains 165 projects which will reduce flood risk to 20,709 properties, at a cost of £90 million.

A spokesman for the agency said: ‘As well as building new defences, we have an extensive maintenance programme to manage flood risk to homes and businesses on main rivers and the coast across Devon and Cornwall.

‘Ahead of this winter we have also invested in more temporary flood barriers and high volume pumps which can be deployed at short notice right across the country – further improving the Environment Agency’s rapid flood response.’

To check flooding risk online and sign up for flood warnings visit www.environment-agency.gov.uk.