Safety in Severe Weather Conditions

Severe weather, including storms and flooding, can cause widespread disruption and emotional distress, especially when homes or businesses are affected by rising water. 

As your local fire and rescue service, our highest priority is protecting lives. During major weather events, we work alongside partner agencies to deliver a swift, coordinated response. Our crews are focused on ensuring your safety above all else. 

In the event of a weather warning of winds you can: 

•  Secure garden furniture, trampolines and move plant pots.  
• Check for loose guttering or fences which could cause damage in a storm.  
• Check for weather warnings in your area on the Met Office Website.

Stay at home unless you must travel, if your journey is essential, plan your route and take extra time to travel.  

If you see a fallen tree on the road, when life is not in danger, contact your local council.  

If there’s a fallen tree on your property and life is not at risk, it is your responsibility. 

Unsafe structure overhanging your property and life is not at risk. This is your responsibility but please remain clear of the area until safe.  

When to call 999? 

Whenever there is risk to life or injury due to an unsafe structure or a fallen tree call 999 and ask for the Fire Service  

If your property is at risk of flooding, evacuate immediately if it is safe to do so. If leaving is not possible, move to an upper floor and wait for help. 

If you can safely assist vulnerable individuals such as the older people, disabled, or young children, please do so. However, never walk through floodwater as it may be deeper, faster moving, and more hazardous than it looks. Avoid driving through flooded roads – always turn around and find a safer alternative route. 

Keep yourself updated by following local news, the Environment Agency, or your local council for the latest information. 

When to Call 999? 

Call 999 if there is immediate danger to life due to flooding; for non-emergency flood advice, contact Floodline on 0345 988 1188 for up-to-date information and support.