Exploring the use of flood early warning systems by communities in England

This paper explores the use of flood early warning systems (FEWS) by communities in the broadest sense, covering the use of any flood forecast or monitoring information and how this is used by flood groups to take action in the local community. Involving communities in flood early warning systems (FEWS) is increasingly recognised as an essential component of flood resilience. FEWS is considered to be integrated systems of flood forecasting and warnings, impact assessment, communication and preparedness which enable stakeholders to take appropriate actions to reduce the impacts of flooding.

This article focuses on exploring the use of FEWS by voluntary, community-based flood groups in England. From the 10 Flood Groups featured, eight are using a combination of flood forecasting and warning information to take action and build flood resilience in their local communities. Five flood groups identify that this use of FEWS has enabled them to prevent flooding or reduce the impacts of flooding in the local area.