Winter warnings from Warwickshire Fire and Rescue Service
As the cold weather continues its icy grip, Warwickshire Fire and Rescue Service is reminding residents to only call in genuine emergencies.
Over the last three days, the service has responded to as many calls relating to flooding caused by burst pipes, as it has responded to emergency incidents relating to fires and road traffic collisions.
Assistant Chief Fire Officer, Jim Onions said: "Temperatures continue to hover around freezing, causing continued problems for residents at home and outdoors.
“The fire service sees an increasing demand for help during this snowy and icy period, so it’s essential that residents only call us when there is a genuine risk to life.
“Fire crews cannot fix burst pipes. We strongly recommend residents know where to locate and how to isolate their water and electrical supplies to avoid the service diverting valuable resources from our primary functions - fighting fires and responding to road accidents and other life threatening emergencies."
Residents who are experiencing burst pipes or electrical problems caused by the winter weather are advised to isolate their water supply and if necessary their electrical supply and contact their insurance company in the first instance, and have contact details for local traders readily available to fix the leak – do not call the fire service.
Act quickly, as prolonged exposure to water leaks can cause serious damage to your property.
Warwickshire Fire and Rescue Service has the following advice for dealing with a burst pipe emergency:
· Turn off the water at the main supply and drain the system by running all the cold taps.
· Call in the professionals to repair the damage.
Also consider the following:
· Turn off the water heating system then drain it by running all the hot taps.
· Turn off the electrics.
In addition, these tips will help prevent a burst pipe and damage to your home:
· Insulate your loft and the sides of your water tanks.
· Insulate all your pipes.
· Open the loft trap door on cold days to let heat in.
· If you’re planning to be away for a while, ask a friend or relative to check on your home and make sure pipes haven’t burst or frozen.
· Replace the washers on dripping taps because if they freeze they’ll block the pipe.
· Make sure you know where your stop tap is and check regularly that you can turn it off easily in an emergency.
· In very cold weather, keep your heating on low throughout the day, or set to come on a couple of times a day, especially if you’re going away.
Meanwhile, as December is reportedly set to become the coldest in the county for 120 years, crews are reminding people about the dangers of frozen lakes and ponds.
Children and animals, particularly domestic pets and livestock, can easily fall through the ice becoming trapped or overcome by freezing water.
If it happens, never enter the water yourself to rescue them – throw an emergency buoyancy aid if available and call 999, or for animal rescues, call the RSPCA on 0300 1234 999.
Residents are also advised to check for up to date weather and travel information which is available at Met Office and Highways Agency websites and local radio stations.
If anyone’s life is at risk as a result of the severe weather call 999 immediately to seek the assistance of the emergency services.
Further information about fire safety in the home can be downloaded from the FireKills website – http://www.firekills.gov.uk or from Warwickshire Fire and Rescue Service at http://www.warwickshire.gov.uk/fireandrescue.