Royal Berkshire Fire and Rescue Service is urging residents to take care in wet and stormy weather. The Met Office has issued a yellow warning for thunderstorms, meaning that flooding could occur to homes and businesses and power cuts are also possible.
With thunderstorms set to continue throughout the weekend, we’re asking residents to be careful as there is a possibility of flash floods in the wake of storms.
Group Manager, Luke Coleman, said: “Adverse weather can significantly impact our communities, so it’s really important that you take extra care in stormy weather. Make sure you stay away from flood water and avoid travelling if possible. If you’re in danger due to property being struck by lightning or significant flooding, please call 999.”
- Remember to give vulnerable road users including cyclists, motorcyclists and pedestrians more room than usual. They are more likely to be blown around by side winds, so keep your speed down and always keep a safe distance.
- Give yourself more time to react while driving – reduced visibility and wet roads will increase your stopping distance in the event of an accident.
- Please do not attempt to drive through flood water. Just 30cm of moving flood water is enough to make your car float and potentially move you into deeper water where you could become stranded.
- Ensure good ventilation if using portable indoor heating appliances to dry out indoor spaces – do not use petrol or diesel generators or other similar fuel-driven equipment indoors: the exhaust gases contain carbon monoxide which can kill.
- Do not turn on gas or electrics if they have got wet – only turn them on when they have been checked by a qualified technician.
- Do not move or ignore road closures signs – they are there for your safety, so please do not ignore them.
- Make sure people and pets are upstairs if your building does begin to flood.
- Stay inside during a flood and call 999 if you are in danger – for example if it is affecting electrics.
For more advice on staying safe while you’re out and about, please visit rbfrs.co.uk/outandabout.