Public services urge people to “know what to do” after flood warnings issued

Dorset public services are urging residents to be familiar with flood procedures in the area.

A tweet from Dorset and Wiltshire Fire and Rescue Service and subsequently, Dorset Police, stated that people should not “assume” they aren’t affected by the flooding and need to check local flood warnings.

Official advice from the Government is that the public must prepare an overnight bag with medicines and insurance documents once a flood alert is in place for their area.

When a flood alert turns into a flood warning, people should act by turning off gas, water and electricity. Move belongings upstairs or to safety and family, pets and cars should also be moved to safety.

In the case of a severe flood warning being issued, the public are urged to call 999 if they are in immediate danger, follow advice from emergency services and keep themselves and their family safe.

Currently there are nine flood warnings in Dorset and Wiltshire:

• Groundwater flooding in Pitton, West Tytherley, Nether Wallop and Broughton
• Groundwater flooding in the Cranbourne Chase area
• Groundwater flooding in the Salisbury Plain area
• Groundwater flooding in the West of Dorset
• Lower Avon and tributaries
• Lower Frome and tributaries
• River Bourne and tributaries
• River Piddle and tributaries
• South East Somerset Rivers, Upper Reaches
• Groundwater flooding in the Cranbourne Chase Area

For more information on how to prepare and what to do in case of flooding, keep up to date with the latest advice from the Dorset and Wiltshire Fire and Rescue Service.