Bedfordshire Fire and Rescue Service (BFRS) have issued advice to anyone affected by heavy rain and flood water, after being called to rescue a man who became trapped in flood water on his mobility scooter in Bedford.
There is currently a flood warning for low lying areas close to the River Great Ouse in Bedford Borough following heavy rainfall from Storm Henk.
Crews from Bedford entered the water near to the Longholme Bridge in water safe personal protective equipment and pushed the man to safety where he was handed over to medical professionals.
The Environment Agency say the areas most likely to be affected are, Havelock Street, St Paul’s Square, Duckmill Lane, Longholme Boating Lake, Priory Marina, The Kingfisher Hotel, Bedford Girls School on Cardington Road, and Castle Mill.
In other parts of the Borough, there is also a flood warning on the River Great Ouse at Odell, with Horsefair Lane and Mill Lane considered to be most at risk.
A flood warning means people should be prepared and BFRS advice.
All other stretches of the River Great Ouse are on Flood Alert, which means people living or working nearby should be prepared.
The forecast is for further rainfall this evening, and into Friday. With river levels expected to remain high, with the Environment Agency saying other parts of the River Great Ouse may flood.
BFRS has issued the following advice for Bedfordians.
If you have to travel
- If you have to travel, prepare before you leave by planning your route and checking for road closures, listen out for travel updates and have a fully charged mobile phone with you
- Even moderate rain can reduce your ability to see and be seen. A good rule of thumb is ‘if it’s time for your wipers, it’s time to slow down’
- If heavy downpours are expected, avoid starting your journey until it clears
- Roads will be more slippery than usual in wet weather – be sure to give yourself more time to react when approaching a hazard. Increase your following gap to at least four seconds from the moving traffic in front
- Keep your eyes peeled on the road at all times as spray from other vehicles can suddenly reduce your visibility. Remember it affects others too, so anticipate their actions and be prepared
What to do when the road is flooded
- If the road is flooded, turn around and find another route. The number one cause of death during flooding is driving through flood water, so the safest advice is turn around, don’t drown
- Although the water may seem shallow, just 12 inches (30cm) of moving water can float your car, potentially taking it to deeper water from which you may need rescuing
- Flood water also contains hidden hazards which can damage your car, and just an egg-cupful of water sucked into your car’s engine will lead to severe damage
- Never drive through flood water. Turn around
If you are concerned about your home
- A list of useful contact numbers – including Bedford Borough Council, utility providers (gas and electricity) and your insurance company
- How to shut off your electricity or gas supply
- Move your valuable belongings to a safe place
- What would you need to move to safety during a flood – think about your pets, car, furniture
- Who could you ask for help?
- Could you offer to help vulnerable friends or neighbours?
You can check for flood updates at check-for-flooding.service.gov.uk.
