HOUSEHOLDERS in North Yorkshire were today being warned about the dangers of a repeat of last year's catastrophic flooding.

The Environment Agency is launching a publicity campaign to remind people their homes and businesses are still at risk.

The move comes after research suggested nearly 50 per cent of people living in flood zones in the UK did not know of the potential dangers.

At the same time, the agency's York Incident Room was opened up to the media to show how it monitors and forecasts river and rainfall levels, uses radar to monitor incoming storms, and sends out flood warnings to the public and the agency's partners.

The Environment Agency's awareness campaign will use television and newspaper advertisements and direct mailing, urging people to "wise up" to flooding. September marks the start of the winter flood season and - if water levels rise again this year - up to five million people in England and Wales could be affected.

Last autumn saw the heaviest rainfall since records began, causing rivers including the Ouse to burst their banks.

Hundreds of homes in the York and Selby area were ruined.

Peter Borrows, Environment Agency flood warning manager, said: "Last year many people discovered just how devastating the effects of flooding can be on properties and lives."

The Environment Agency's 24-hour hotline and website will advise people on how to prepare for floods.

The hotline number is 0845 9881188.

Updated: 15:09 Monday, September 17, 2001