Stay safe in heavy rainfall and potential Flooding

With the heavy rainfall over night, 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.

Devon & Somerset Fire & Rescue Service are experiencing a high amount of calls to flooding incidents across the Service area. Since the rainfall began early this morning, Devon & Somerset Fire & Rescue Service have attended 51 incidents due to flooding with 38 incidents still on-going.

At 10.30am the service received 311 calls for assistance since the first flooding incident which took place at 02:12. As well as 18 rescues from vehicles caught in floodwater, one involving two people who were attempting to rescue cattle. At 10.30am the service were attending 12 live rescues from vehicles caught in flood water and assisting the ambulance service with a person who is diabetic and caught in flood water.

At this time there were 110 live incidents happening throughout Devon and Somerset, with 42 pumping appliances committed, with one appliance from Avon Fire & Rescue Service and three appliances from Dorset Fire & Rescue Service in assistance. Two Specialist Rescue teams are also committed to incidents.

Devon & Somerset Fire & Rescue Service 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 visit www.environment-agency.gov.uk/flood or ring their floodline 08459 881188 service.