Poem inspires agency flood alert

The Environment Agency is concerned people ignore flood risks

A Cumbrian schoolgirl's memories of devastating floods which struck her community, are being used to help others prepare for a similar emergency.

Ariane Jackson, 11, from Tebay, near Penrith, wrote her poem "The Rains Came" after severe flooding hit the north-west of England in January 2005.

The Tebay Primary School pupil's work is now being used as part of a campaign by the Environment Agency.

Three people died and hundreds of homes were affected in the floods.

THE RAINS CAME The rains came and the rivers rose Eating away at cities as the waters flowed Through streets and fields it did gush Fiercely heading seaward in a rush. From the meander waters raged to shore Sifting through every window and door Making homeless children, husbands, wives Affecting peoples' lives Rowing boats out where cars should be The army sand bags at the ready Carlisle will tell you this for sure They CAN'T let this happen any more. It is not too hard It is not too late To build a barrier Or even a flood gate. By Ariane Jackson

Ariane's hard-hitting poem is being used in adverts urging people to prepare in the North West to prepare for flood emergencies.

Her verse was chosen from 62 entries to a competition to find a short poem about the importance of being prepared for flooding.

The agency's food risk manager Glyn Vaughan said: "Figures show that flooding can be more costly than a burglary, yet only a small percentage of those living in flood risk areas bother to find out if it could happen to them or sign up for our free Flood Warning service.

"Flood can happen at any time, but wet weather at this time of year means the North West is more susceptive to flooding.

"That's why we're using as many different ways as we possibly can to warn people that they can't afford to ignore the risks and need to be prepared before it's too late."