STORM EUNICE: Plea to only call 999 when damage poses risk to life

Emergency lines need to be kept free

Author: Jack DeeryPublished 18th Feb 2022

There's a plea from Dorset and Wiltshire Fire and Rescue Service to only call 999 if storm damage is posing a risk to someone's life.

Fire control say they have received dozens of calls to their emergency line this morning due to Storm Eunice.

However most have been to report fallen tree or building damage, but firefighters can only help when people are in danger.

Group Manager Darren Langdown said:

ā€œOur worry is that, while we are answering 999 calls for things where we canā€™t help, that could delay a response to a call where the situation is life-threatening. We would ask everyone to please consider whether there is a genuine danger before calling 999; fallen trees should be reported to the local authority, and damage to your home is something that needs to be resolved with a contractor and your insurance.ā€

People in Wiltshire who spot fallen trees or debris in non-emergency situations should report it via the Wiltshire Council website or the MyWilts app.

The local authority say they have already had over 140 reports of obstructions caused by the storm.

For all the latest on services across the county, visit our news pages.

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