HOUSEHOLDERS are being urged to "take three steps" to be prepared should flooding happen, helping to protect homes and treasured possessions.

Together with the Environment Agency, Wirral Council has launched the "Floods destroy - be prepared" campaign, running from next Monday, November 2, to Friday, November 13.

Homeowners are also being encouraged to study a map, below, which highlights areas at risk of flooding.

Wirral Globe:

Although flooding is far from being an everyday occurrence in the borough, there have been several instances in recent years when heavy rain coupled with high winds have caused major problems.

The most recent was in September when the rivers Birket, Arrowe Brook, Fender, Greasby Brook and Prenton Brook all burst their banks causing nearby homes to be evacuated.

And in December of 2013, a tidal surge accelerated by gale-force winds caused severe damage to coastal areas including New Brighton, West Kirby, Hoylake and Meols.

Wirral and Merseyside had been subject to a Met Office amber "flood alert" warning for high tide at 11am today but this has been withdrawn.

However, the high tide tonight at 11.35pm "has the potential to meet the flood alert criteria."

For further information click here.

Councillor Bernie Mooney, Wirral’s cabinet member for environment, said: “Flooding can destroy lives. You may think your property is not directly at risk, but floods can happen anywhere at any time, so being prepared is the best ways to protect the things which are precious to you.

“One of the council’s key pledges is to make sure our neighbourhoods are safe, and this campaign offers three practicable steps we can all take to achieve this, helping to save time, money and distress if flooding ever happens.”

Wirral Globe: Gale force winds and high tides cause chaos at Wirral coastal towns

Wall of water: A massive wave hits Morrison's car park at New Brighton in 2013

Although the chances of being affected by a flood are low, it can happen unexpectedly and swiftly, including from high sea levels, rising ground water levels, burst water mains, blocked sewers and run-off following heavy rain.

The campaign highlights three simple steps people can take to help protect themselves, their family and home from flooding:

Use the Environment Agency’s maps to find out the local risk of flooding.

Sign up for free phone, text or email alerts from Floodline Warnings Direct.

Prepare a personal flood plan of how to respond to a flood, including important contacts, utility company phone numbers, information on essential medication and insurance details

To follow the three steps and check flood risk maps, register for free flood warnings and get a template for a personal flood plan click here.  

It is also possible to register for Floodline Warnings Direct by telephone on 0345 988 1188.

Wirral Globe: Gale force winds and high tides cause chaos at Wirral coastal towns

Marine Point at New Brighton was badly affected by 2013 tidal surge