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Saturday
18  May

Fire service plea: “Please use common sense and plan ahead”

 
01/11/2023 @ 08:46

 

As the Welshpool area is set to be lashed by the edge of another storm over the coming 48 hours, local fire fighters are pleading for common sense to be used.

Storm Babet, a fortnight ago, again saw local cars stuck in rising flood waters with one local firefighter telling us that “people are putting their lives at risk unnecessarily”. Of course, in doing so, they are putting the safety of trained our firefighters at risk too.

Some of our readers' pictures were simply shocking, with cars trapped and in danger of being swept away by strengthening currents.

Floods are expected once again as Storm Ciarán strikes from the south, and while we are only on the fringes this time, Natural Resources Wales has told us to expect floods with a yellow warning.

But Mid and West Wales Fire and Rescue Service has also issued a statement ahead of what they expect to be a busy couple of days.

Peter Greenslade, Corporate Head of Community Risk Management, said: “With bad weather forecast to continue, and the arrival of Storm Ciarán expected to bring a period of strong winds and heavy rain across parts of Wales, it’s important to prepare for the challenges that come with this kind of weather.

“When driving in wet weather, stopping distances will be at least double those required in dry conditions and you may come across flooded sections of road unexpectedly, which can often be deeper and faster-flowing than it appears.

“If a road closure is in place due to flooding, please adhere to them, as ignoring them can put lives at risk. Plan ahead and find an alternative route before setting out.

“Simple steps such as checking your car’s lighting, wipers and tyres, as well as driving slower, can help keep you and others safe, and will ease the pressure on and danger to our crew members.”

More safety information and guidance can be found on the Service’s website.