Police urge drivers and residents to take care following flooding in Warwickshire
People are being told to avoid floodwater if possible.
With high volumes of rainfall continuing to fall across the Warwickshire today, emergency services and partners are calling on the public to take care when driving or walking near flood water.
Firefighters have already rescued several residents trapped in their vehicles after driving through flood water and are continuing to support local communities where residents have become trapped.
Warwickshire Police also say their partners are working together as part of the Local Resilience Forum to plan and prepare for incidents should flood levels continue to rise across the county causing risk to life and properties.
Sandbags are being distributed to properties which have been identified as at risk and preparations for rest centres are in place should they be needed.
Advice from Warwickshire Police:
- Please avoid driving through flood water. Just a few inches of water can float your car and damage your engine. Most deaths caused by flooding, happen when people are trapped in their car.
- If you can’t see the road through the water because it is too dirty or deep, you will have no way of knowing if there are manholes present that pose a huge danger.
- If you’re out walking your dog, please keep clear of flooded areas. It can become quite dangerous around rivers. Which means that you could easily lose your footing and fall in.
- Be careful walking in floodwater that is above knee level, it can easily knock you off your feet. The water could cover open manholes, road works or objects and you won’t be able to see them.
- Do not touch items that have been in contact with the water. Flood water is likely to be contaminated and could contain sewage. Disinfect and clean thoroughly anything that has got wet.