The Norfolk coast could face floods due to predicted high tides

The Environment Agency is holding road shows to explain emergency procedures after warning floods are more likely than usual in September and October.

The agency says preparation is essential as it "makes it easier to recover" and reduces the loss of items.

More information will be given on a new system to give more warning of floods.

The Precautionary Evacuation Notice (PEN) procedure was introduced last year to give residents and visitors in the areas of Snettisham, Heacham and Hunstanton more advanced warning of potential flooding.

Although flooding is dreadful, being prepared for it makes it easier to recover afterwards and means you don't lose irreplaceable items like family photos Peta Denham

After considering weather forecasts, tidal surge information and any potential problems with defences, a PEN is issued if a high tide is expected to increase the chance of flooding.

Peta Denham from the Environment Agency said: "It's really important that people prepare for flooding before a flood actually happens.

"Although flooding is dreadful, being prepared for it makes it easier to recover afterwards and means you don't lose irreplaceable items like family photos."

Vulnerable area

While defences have been improved, the area between Hunstanton and Snettisham remains in a vulnerable position.

This is because 3,000 holiday homes and caravans are located behind the defences.

Nigel Woonton, area flood risk manager at the Environment Agency, said: "Knowing which homes are occupied and the fact people may not be contactable by telephone means we need a system to contact people at an early stage.

"Using forecasts, a PEN is issued nine to 18 hours before a high tide is expected to cause a problem, so the whole thing is done in an orderly manner."

The Environment Agency thinks the chance of evacuation remains low but not out of the question.

Mr Woonton, said: "Predictions for evacuation procedures are based on past experience.

"Evacuations are used once every five years. The last time one was issued was in February 13 2005.

"But as with all statistics there is a chance that they could be issued twice in one winter."