Please do not drive through floodwater, regardless of how shallow it may seem. Not only do you risk getting stuck in flood water, but you are also putting other people at risk if they attempt to help you.

Following heavy rainfall overnight there is widespread flooding across the county impacting Warwickshire communities.

With further rain expected today, emergency services and partners are calling on the public to take care when driving or walking near flood water.

Our fire control has received 45 emergency calls since midnight and our firefighters have rescued 12 people from flood-related incidents. A number of these incidents could have been avoided if people had not driven through flood water.

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 a rest centre has been set up in Wolston for those living in properties affected by the flood water.

If you come across floodwater, please follow these important safety guidelines:

• Avoid driving through floodwater. Even a small amount of water can float your car and cause engine damage. The majority of flood-related fatalities occur when people become trapped in their vehicles.
• If the water is too deep or murky to see the road underneath, you won’t know what hazards lie hidden beneath the surface, such as manholes or debris, which can damage your vehicle or injure those trying to rescue you.
• Avoid flooded areas when walking, especially near rivers. Floodwaters can make footing unstable, increasing the risk of falling in.
• Be cautious when walking through floodwater above knee level. The strong current can knock you over, and submerged hazards like open manholes or roadworks may not be visible.
• Do not touch items exposed to floodwater. It is likely to be contaminated, possibly with sewage. Be sure to thoroughly disinfect and clean anything that has come into contact with the water.

Warwickshire Resilience Forum Co-Chair and Chief Fire Officer at Warwickshire Fire and Rescue Service, Ben Brook, said:

“It is vital that Warwickshire residents and businesses takes steps to protect themselves and others during this period of heavy rain and flooding.

“Please avoid driving or walking through floodwater, and always heed the advice and warnings from emergency services. If you encounter signs warning against driving through flooded areas, please respect them for your safety and the safety of those who have to go in to rescue you!”

Flood advice and support is available for Warwickshire residents and businesses here https://www.warwickshireresilienceforum.org/risks/flooding/#respond

You can check which rivers have flood alerts or flood warnings in place by visiting https://check-for-flooding.service.gov.uk/

If you see flooding of public drains and roads please report it here https://www.warwickshire.gov.uk/reportit  You should also call the Environment Agency Floodline on 0345 988 1188 if you see flooding from collapsed or badly damaged riverbanks, or unusual changes in river flow.

Please call Severn Trent Water on 0800 783 4444 if you see flooding from sewers and burst water mains.