What3Words app

Police have urged everyone to download a smartphone app they say has already saved several lives. What is it and how does it work?

What3words essentially points to a very specific location. Its developers divided the world into 57 trillion squares, each measuring 3m by 3m (10ft by 10ft) and each having a unique, randomly assigned three-word address.

For example, the door of 10 Downing Street is slurs.this.shark, while the area across the road where the press congregate is stage.pushy.nuns.

Mongolia has adopted what3words for its postal service, while Lonely Planet's guide for the country gives three word addresses for its points of interest. If people do not have the app, the emergency services can send a text message containing a web link to their phones.

But that requires a signal (85% of the country is said to have a 4G connection). The app does not need a phone signal to tell someone their three-word location. The emergency services are urging people to download the free app. We would urge you to do the same

For further news please see https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-49319760

What Flood Warnings Mean

Flood Alert

What it means

Flooding is possible. Be prepared.

When it's used

Two hours to two days in advance of flooding.

What to do

· Be prepared to act on your flood plan.

· Prepare a flood kit of essential items.

· Monitor local water levels and the flood forecast on our website.

Flood Warning

What it means

Flooding is expected. Immediate action required.

When it's used

Half an hour to one day in advance of flooding.

What to do

· Move family, pets and valuables to a safe place.

· Turn off gas, electricity and water supplies if safe to do so.

· Put flood protection equipment in place.

Severe Flood Warning

What it means

Severe flooding. Danger to life.

When it's used

When flooding poses a significant threat to life.

What to do

· Stay in a safe place with a means of escape.

· Be ready should you need to evacuate from your home.

· Co-operate with the emergency services.

· Call 999 if you are in immediate danger.

Flood Sacks

Sheila Brown our Town Clerk has advised that there are still some flood sacks available should you require them. There are a small number held at the Library, but more are held by Town Hall staff (who work Mon-Fri 8-4pm). Please see either of these organisations during working hours if you would like to take advantage of these. Cockermouth Library is open Monday – Friday 10-4pm and on Saturdays between 10-2pm.

When warnings are no longer in force, it means that no further flooding is currently expected in your area and river or sea conditions are beginning to return to normal.

(Source: https://www.metoffice.gov.uk/guide/weather/flood-warnings/what-does-this-mean)