Issued: 18.01.08
At: 10am
For immediate release

Leicestershire Fire And Rescue Service Provides Precautionary Advice On Safety During Possible Flooding

Leicestershire Fire and Rescue Service (LFRS) have received calls from residents of
Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland wanting to take steps to protect their property
from potential flooding. Along with the partner agencies of the Leicester,
Leicestershire and Rutland Local Resilience Forum, LFRS would like to give the
following advice to the communities in our area regarding safety in the event of
flooding:

Before a flood / when flooding is possible:
• Keep an eye on weather reports on the Environment Agency website and local
television or radio news channels. Do not travel in heavy rain storms unless
absolutely necessary.
• If the risk of flooding becomes high, remove valuables to high ground or the
upper floors of your property. If the property is at a definite risk of flooding,
sand bags can be obtained from the local district council. Please do not call the
fire and rescue service for sandbags.
During a flood:
• Motorists should 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.
• 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.
• Look after neighbours. People have been known to suffer from hypothermia
after their homes have become flooded with cold rainwater even in the summer
time.
• Remember that during a storm the emergency services will be very busy, only
call for immediate emergency assistance if there is a risk to life or serious
damage to property or the environment.
• If your house looks like it could be in danger of becoming flooded then isolate
the electric, gas and water supplies if safe to do so.
• 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.
The fire and rescue service has taken the precaution of putting both staff and
resources on standby should any flooding occur within Leicester, Leicestershire or
Rutland.

Tim Herbert, Area Manager for Community Safety, explained:
‘In the event of any serious flooding we will work closely with the other
emergency services and local authorities to protect life and alleviate the
effects of flooding as far as possible’.

- ENDS -

Notes to News Desk
With regard to larger watercourses contact the Environment Agency to report
any obstructions on 08708 506506.
Other useful numbers:
Severn Trent Water (for flooding from sewers) - 01217 224000
District Council (small watercourse problems) – see your local telephone
directory or council website
District Councils (sandbags) – see your local telephone directory or council
website
County Highways (for flooding on roads) - 0800 626203
Monitor the situation through the Environment Agency Floodline Number 0845
9881188
Contact Information
For more information please contact:
Corporate Communications
Leicestershire Fire and Rescue Service
Tel 0116 287 2241

Email Us Print This Page