New flood cameras up and running

New flood warning cameras are up and running across Staffordshire, Derbyshire, Leicestershire and the West Midlands. The system, which is entirely solar powered, will monitor three watercourses across Staffordshire, Derbyshire and Leicestershire and seven across the West Midlands. The aim is to ensure that local residents are alerted if their properties are at risk of flooding – residents signed up to the Environment Agency’s flood warning service will receive an automated call and those who follow the cameras via twitter will receive alerts and photos, when the water levels rise significantly.

Environment Agency project manager, Jamie Sarginson, explains: “The cameras have a high water sensor which will enable us to alert residents as river levels rise. If the correct settings are added to the individuals’ twitter account, then they will be able to hear an alert when images or alarms are tweeted from the camera’s twitter account. We hope it makes a real difference for those potentially at risk of flooding so they can be better prepared.”

People can also view the cameras via Vision Link – the company that created the cameras. The pages are automatically updated when new images/ alarms are received. Under this tab there is also guidance on how to set up a twitter account, follow the cameras and receive alerts.

The cameras send images approximately every four hours during daylight hours but more images can be requested by Environment Agency staff as and when needed.