Hereford & Worcester Fire and Rescue Service are advising drivers to take extreme care while driving and not to enter flood water during the current spate conditions.
During the 48-hour period from 0700 on 2 January to 0700 on 4 January, HWFRS carried out 26 rescues from vehicles in water, as well as attending 14 further incidents involving external or internal flooding.
The majority of these incidents were in Herefordshire, but with levels expected to peak soon on the River Severn, the focus is now expected to turn to Worcestershire.
“We are especially urging people not to drive or walk into flood water,” said Area Commander George Marshall of Hereford & Worcester Fire and Rescue Service.
“Flood water can be deceptively fast moving and there may be dangers which are not visible. These might include, for example, lifted manholes which could expose you to the risk of falling deep into drains from which you are unable to escape.
“People walking and driving into flood waters put not only themselves at risk but also those who might be called upon to rescue them.”
Until the flood waters clear:
- do not take risks or ignore flood warning signs – you could be putting your car, yourself and others in danger by doing so
- driving through flood water can be extremely dangerous because it is impossible to see how deep the water is or whether there are hazards under the water which could damage your car and leave you stranded
- if your home does begin to flood, turn off your electricity supply, and do not touch any sources of electricity such as switches or appliances when you are standing in flood water
- help any elderly family members or neighbours to do the same
- stay alert to local weather and news reports and take notice of any flood warnings and road closures you come across