Cumbria Fire and Rescue Service issue advice in advance of Cumbrian flood warnings this weekend
There is currently flood warnings and alerts in force for parts of Cumbria this weekend. Check the latest updates online.
During widespread flooding we will be very busy and will have to prioritise our attendance to emergencies where there is a risk to life.
Cumbria Fire and Rescue Service (CFRS) are always willing to help people who need our services. Usually we will not attend flood incidents unless the water is at least 1 foot deep, as our pumps just don’t work with smaller amounts of water. CFRS can help in extreme situations, such as wide area flooding, deep flood water or assisting vulnerable people to evacuate properties who cannot vacate unassisted.
Here is how Cumbria Fire and Rescue Service respond to flooding calls:
· We assess each call but if flood water isn't entering a property, we would not attend the incident as a matter of course, as the response would usually be part of a wider response to local area flooding.
· We are unable to provide sandbags to stop flood water entering a property and we don't carry them on a fire engine, these can be sought from your District Council.
· Flooding incidents are usually very complex, and we will prioritise our resources in order to deal with the most urgent sites first.
· We don't usually send fire engines to domestic flooding such as a leaking pipe, although if it is affecting the electrics, we may attend particularly if there is a risk of fire.
Be prepared for flooding by following our safety tips:
1. Turn off the electrics in your house.
2. Where possible and practicable move items up off the ground or up to a higher level in your property.
3. Sign up to the flood alert scheme.
4. Do not walk through flooded area, the current of the flood water can be more powerful than you think.
5. Avoid travelling where possible.
For further advice please visit our website: https://www.cumbria.gov.uk/emergencyplanning/supportingpages/floodingadvice.asp
