Be safe in heavy rainfall and potential flooding

Yesterday Devon & Somerset Fire & Rescue Service received over 90 weather related calls. These including over 20 calls to vehicles in water, 29 calls involving domestic flooding, one horse rescue and further calls (including duplicate calls) to report flooding.

The Met Office are predicting further periods of heavy rain today and Devon & Somerset Fire & Rescue Service are urging people to be aware of possible flooding and reminding drivers not to risk their lives by driving through any flood water.

DSFRS offer some useful advice which could help prevent accidents during heavy rainfall and flooding:

People should bear in mind the following safety tips:

·         Do not attempt to drive through flooded roads or fords. The water is often deeper than it looks and may be moving quite fast. Your vehicle may be swept away or become stranded. Vehicles can float away in just two feet of water

·         If your vehicle stalls, leave it immediately if safe to do so and seek higher ground.

·         Do not travel in heavy rain storms unless absolutely necessary. Keep an eye on weather reports on local television or listen to local radio. 

·       Do not attempt to walk through flooded areas. Even shallow water moving fast can sweep you off your feet and there may be hidden dangers such as open drains, damaged road surfaces, submerged debris or deep channels; these can cause serious injuries or even death

·       Children should not be allowed to play in flood water, which can become contaminated with sewerage and chemicals

·       Do not smoke, eat or drink whilst in contact with floodwater and always wash your hands afterwards

·       Following a flood in your home, make sure all electrical circuits are fully dried out and checked by an electrical engineer before switching back on can cause serious injuries or even death.

Flood Updates

The Environment Agency has flood warning updates on their web site every 15 minutes, please visitwww.environment-agency.gov.uk/flood or ring their floodline 08459 881188 service.