Fire Service Warns Oxfordshire To Prepare For Flooding

OXFORDSHIRE firefighters are asking people to be prepared as more storms are forecasted for later this week.
The request comes after the Fire and Rescue Service received an unprecedented number of emergency calls for help to deal with flash floods last Saturday (none fortunately in Thame).

Peter Tonks, Emergency Response Manager with Oxfordshire?s Fire and Rescue Service said: ?Many of the incidents were minor, involving wet carpets or blocked garden drains which could easily have been avoided had householders been prepared.
?Advice is given on flood preparation on the county council?s website, www.oxfordshire.gov.uk/flooding and on the Environment Agency?s website www.environment-agency.gov.uk in a leaflet entitled Floods ? protect yourself.
Or residents can phone their local fire station for advice.?

If your property is prone to flooding you should take the following precautions to avoid damage from flood water:

? unplug electrical items and place them upstairs or on a table/shelf
? raise furniture off the ground or take it upstairs if possible. Large items such as fridges/freezers can be raised with blocks of wood or bricks
? remove loose carpeting and rugs to upstairs
? loop long curtains over the curtain rail
? be aware that water can access premises through external air bricks – a temporary block can be provided by plywood or sandbags until flood water has subsided
? involve neighbours if you live in a terraced house so that floodwater does not spread into other property
? clear garden drains of obstructions
? weigh down drain inspection covers with heavy objects, or get help to do so.

Photo: Clearing flood water from Co-op, Thame, after a flash flood last year.