FIREFIGHTERS in Warwickshire have rescued 12 people from flood-related incidents today (Monday January 6).
There is widespread flooding across the county following heavy rainfall overnight.
And with further rain expected today, Warwickshire’s emergency services and partners are calling on the public to take care when driving or walking near flood water.
Warwickshire fire and Rescue Service has received 45 emergency calls since midnight – many of which 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.
Ben Brook, the co-chair of the Warwickshire Resilience Forum and the Chief Fire Officer at Warwickshire Fire and Rescue Service, 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.”
Rugby MP John Slinger visited the village of Wolston today and spoke to residents who raised various concerns with him.
He said: ““I also spoke to Jacqui and other volunteers at the Baptist Chapel who were providing hot soup, drinks, sandwiches, and cakes, as well as blankets to members of the community who have been badly affected. They and others I met showed what a strong community this is, with people coming together to help one another in their time of need.
“Clearly the management of the flood risk in this area is not working properly, given that this is the second flooding incident in a year. Some of the residents I spoke to have only moved back into their homes this summer.
“I saw just how devastating flooding can be. I spoke to elderly people who had been flooded, whose power was out, and for whom the offer of hot soup and drink drinks was hugely appreciated and needed.
“I spoke to the Rugby Borough Council and Warwickshire County Council emergency response teams who are on site, and thanked them for what they are doing.
“I will be taking up residents’ concerns with the authorities, and hope to raise some of the issues with ministers in the House of Commons.”
Anyone who comes across floodwater is asked to follow these safety guidelines:
- Avoid driving through floodwater. Even a small amount of water can float your car and cause engine damage. The majority of flood-related fatalities occur when people become trapped in their vehicles.
- If the water is too deep or murky to see the road underneath, you won’t know what hazards lie hidden beneath the surface, such as manholes or debris, which can damage your vehicle or injure those trying to rescue you.
- Avoid flooded areas when walking, especially near rivers. Floodwaters can make footing unstable, increasing the risk of falling in.
- Be cautious when walking through floodwater above knee level. The strong current can knock you over, and submerged hazards like open manholes or roadworks may not be visible.
- Do not touch items exposed to floodwater. It is likely to be contaminated, possibly with sewage. Be sure to thoroughly disinfect and clean anything that has come into contact with the water.
Visit www.warwickshireresilienceforum.org/risks/flooding/#respond for flood advice and support for Warwickshire residents and businesses.
Visit https://check-for-flooding.service.gov.uk to check which rivers have flood alerts or flood warnings in place.
Visit www.warwickshire.gov.uk/reportit to report flooding of public drains and roads.
Call the Environment Agency Floodline on 0345 988 1188 to report flooding from collapsed or badly damaged riverbanks, or unusual changes in river flow.
Call Severn Trent Water on 0800 783 4444 to report flooding from sewers and burst water mains.
