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A Storm is On Its Way – Advice to Stay Safe

Date

As a series of severe weather warnings are in place, as Storm Ciarán arrives, the public are urged to stay away from coastal areas and avoid going into flood water.

During extreme weather, we prioritise calls where lives may be at risk through a risk of fire or other emergencies.

For example, when flood water is affecting electrics in buildings, where a building or structure has become dangerous to passers-by or when there has been a road traffic collision.

Where lives are not at immediate risk, a few other organisations may be better placed to help.

Winter Weather and Floods Advice - Winter Weather & Floods | East Sussex Fire & Rescue Service (esfrs.org)

What ESFRS Can Do

  • Will rescue people who are at risk and assist with evacuations of buildings.
  • Can pump out water from buildings although this may not always be appropriate. For example, if the flooding is linked to the water table or the high tide, the water will return. In these cases, we may return after the water levels have dropped to assist with recovery.
  • Will give advice about making properties safe and secure.
  • Will work with other organisations such as electricity companies to ensure public safety.
  • Will work with the Environment Agency to protect important sites such as hospitals and power stations.
Who Does What

Flooding

Storm Ciarán is due to create very strong winds and heavy rain across the South East, increasing the risk of flooding to some areas. Stay safe and don’t take unnecessary risks.

Sign up for flood warnings: Sign up for flood warnings - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)

It’s never too late to take action to prepare for heavy rain and possible flooding. Here are a few tips from the Met Office: Protecting property from flooding - Met Office

Coastal Emergency

An amber weather warning is in place for wind across the South this Thursday. Wind speeds are expected to reach 80mph in some coastal areas, with the most exposed spots facing speeds of up to 85mph. If in a coastal emergency, call 999 and ask for the Coastguard.

Useful contacts

Gov.UK

Alerts

Environment Agency

  • Flood alerts
  • Floodline number 0845 988 1188 (24 hour service)
  • You can also find them on Twitter at @EnvAgencySE and on Facebook

Met Office

Sussex Police

Contact on 101 when it is less urgent than 999. We would urge people to call the police when:

  • there is a dangerous obstruction in the road
  • collisions
  • if you see a crime taking place "We wouldn't want you to become a repeat victim"

Roads

East Sussex County Council

Brighton and Hove City Council

Councils

East Sussex County Council

Brighton and Hove City Council

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