Warning signals

People at risk of flooding in the uk can now be warned by a new automated telephone system called open talk. Developed by the uk Environment Agency and Kingston Communications of Kingston-upon-Hull, the service relies on the combination of weather, radar and river height sensors that radio readings to the Environment Agency's headquarters. The computer can call a database of telephone numbers at risk of flooding in the area -- more than 1,000 can be called per hour. When the homeowner lifts the receiver, a pre-recorded message issues the warning (British Information services Industrial News, September 96).