Local Weather-Related Incidents Overnight

Kent Fire and Rescue Service (KFRS) have confirmed that they received several calls overnight about flooding in areas including: Eastchurch, Herne Bay, Margate and Cliftonville. The majority of calls received by KFRS's emergency control room staff did not need immediate assistance. However, crews were called at 3.48am to Crown Road in Sittingbourne and used a grindex pump to move water away from some properties. They also attended an incident following a call at 6.35am. This involved a lifted storm drain in Staplehurst Road, Sittingbourne, which had created a two foot round hole in the carriageway. They used Jafco tools including sealing hooks and drag rakes to retrieve the drain cover and secure it in place.

KFRS is urging everyone, in the event of flooding, to follow basic safety tips:

• Call 999 if you believe there is a risk to life or serious property or environmental damage
• To know how to turn off your gas, electricity and water before the flood water enters your home and, if in doubt, consult your supplier 
• Check on your neighbours if its safe to do so
• To a void walking or driving in or near flood water and keep children away from flood water - there could be hidden dangers like sharp objects, raised manhole covers and pollution. Flood water is often deeper than it looks and may be moving quite fast - your vehicle could be swept away or become stranded.
• If you see a sign saying that the road is closed due to flooding, remember the sign is there for a reason and find an alternative route 
• When driving make sure you drive to suit the conditions keep lights on and speeds down, remembering road surfaces will be slippery and your braking distance will be longer
• Listen to the local radio, TV and check social media for flood warnings in your area 
• Visit the Environment Agency website for more advice, flood warnings and to sign up to their Floodline or call 0845 988 1188