| Warwickshire residents urged to take care amid widespread flooding
Please do not drive through floodwater, regardless of how shallow it may seem. Not only do you risk getting stuck in flood water, but you are also putting other people at risk if they attempt to help you.
Following heavy rainfall overnight there is widespread flooding across the county impacting Warwickshire communities. With further rain expected today, emergency services and partners are calling on the public to take care when driving or walking near flood water. Our fire control has received 45 emergency calls since midnight and our firefighters have rescued 12 people from flood-related incidents. A number of these incidents could have been avoided if people had not driven through flood water. Partners are working together as part of the Local Resilience Forum to plan and prepare for incidents should flood levels continue to rise across the county causing risk to life and properties. Sandbags are being distributed to properties which have been identified as at risk and a rest centre has been set up in Wolston for those living in properties affected by the flood water. If you come across floodwater, please follow these important safety guidelines:
Warwickshire Resilience Forum Co-Chair and Chief Fire Officer at Warwickshire Fire and Rescue Service, Ben Brook, said: “It is vital that Warwickshire residents and businesses takes steps to protect themselves and others during this period of heavy rain and flooding. “Please avoid driving or walking through floodwater, and always heed the advice and warnings from emergency services. If you encounter signs warning against driving through flooded areas, please respect them for your safety and the safety of those who have to go in to rescue you!” Flood advice and support is available for Warwickshire residents and businesses here https://www.warwickshireresilienceforum.org/risks/flooding/#respond You can check which rivers have flood alerts or flood warnings in place by visiting https://check-for-flooding.service.gov.uk/ If you see flooding of public drains and roads please report it here https://www.warwickshire.gov.uk/reportit You should also call the Environment Agency Floodline on 0345 988 1188 if you see flooding from collapsed or badly damaged riverbanks, or unusual changes in river flow. Please call Severn Trent Water on 0800 783 4444 if you see flooding from sewers and burst water mains. |
