THIS is the map that could help save you home—it could mean an early warning if the Thames ever floods in East London. The blue area is roughly a third of the East End which could be in danger of flooding if the river ever broke its banks

By Mike Brooke

THIS is the map that could help save your home—it could mean an early warning if the Thames ever floods in East London.

The blue area on the map is roughly a third of the East End which could be in danger of flooding if the river ever broke its banks, despite the Thames Barrier.

Neighbourhoods most at risk are in low-lying, flat areas along the banks of both the Thames and River Lea.

From west to east, these neighbourhoods take in St Katharine’s-by-the-Tower, most of Wapping, part of Shadwell, half of Limehouse, nearly all of Poplar and virtually all of Millwall, Blackwall and the Isle of Dogs.

But you can keep your feet dry a little further north in Whitechapel, Spitalfields, Stepney, Mile End and Bromley-by-Bow, although parts of Old Ford might get that sinking feeling from an overflowing River Lea.

The map is an adaptation by Tower Hamlets Council and the Environment Agency of the Ordinance Survey to raise awareness of the possibility of flooding in the East End.

The area hasn’t had a serious flood for more than 20 years, the Town Hall is keen to assure, but officials say it is a good idea to be prepared.

The boy scout’ advice comes from the council’s Civil Protection officer, Steve Crawley, who said: “Over 30 per cent of properties in Tower Hamlets are near or around flood risk’ areas of the Thames and River Lea.

“Awareness is the best way to be prepared for the worst case scenario to ensure they’re ready for a flood.”

Households are being advised to find out if their property is in a flood plain, then to sign up to the free warning service by the Environment Agency which gives advance notice of risk by telephone, text, fax, email or pager.

Another step is to stock essential items in a key place to be easily reached in emergency, such as medication, bottled water and a radio.

But most of all, says the Town Hall, make sure the home and business is covered by insurance.

The Environment Agency runs a website and a Floodline’ on 0845-988 1188 for latest flood alerts.