'Rip-Off Britain' doesn't care if you drown!
Reading the article below, how fortunate it was for local people that the flood warning sirens were still in place and operating.
However, are you aware that ALL flood warning sirens across Britain are being removed (and not being replaced!) because they are "analogue" thus "old-fashioned" and, in a recession/depression, far too costly to bother repairing? So, if you want to be warned about floods nowadays, you have to "register" for texts, emails and tweets, etc. (Or Boy Scouts knocking on your door, perhaps?)
This is NOT a joke, unfortunately!
Such a sensible, RESPONSIBLE replacement system in an emergency, I think NOT!
http://www.westernmorningnews.co.uk/Warning-sirens-sounds-storms-batter-Dorset-coast/story-20409012-detail/story.html
Lincolnshire’s last remaining flood sirens removed from Mablethorpe........
Following the nationwide Pitt Review after the 2007 summer floods, the decision was made to scrap the sirens as repairs became difficult because of their age and the new system means people who aren’t in the area at the time of the warning won’t miss out on crucial information.Flood risk is on many people’s minds lately after reports that many homeowners in the Mablethorpe and Sutton parish may have difficulty insuring their homes when a government agreement ends next year.
The Environment Agency’s free flood warning service aims to give advanced notice of sea and river flooding so people can prepare themselves.
Four categories of early warning are used: flood watch, flood warning, severe flood warning and the all clear.
Floodline Warnings Direct sends out direct messages to people whose homes may be affected, via telephone, mobile, email, text message or even fax, (and smoke signals with a wet blanket!)
http://www.louthleader.co.uk/news/local/lincolnshire-s-last-remaining-flood-sirens-removed-from-mablethorpe
Meanwhile, in the Netherlands
A Federal Signal
Modulator on a pole, as used in the Netherlands.
The Netherlands tests its air-raid sirens once a
month, every first Monday at noon, to keep the public aware of the system.
There are about 4,200 sirens placed all across the country.[29]
'Rip-Off Britain' doesn't care if you drown!