cfoaFire and Rescue Services across the UK are deploying high volume pumps and flood rescue teams to support colleagues in areas affected by severe storms.

The Environment Agency currently has more than 100 flood warnings and alerts in place, including 18 severe alerts for the East Anglia region. Services across the country operate in unison when events such as flooding occur which affect communities beyond the capability of a single authority.

Command and co-ordination protocols are in place that enables seamless operations involving water movement, search, rescue and welfare support of affected individuals.

Paul Fuller, CFOA President said: “Mutual aid resources are being deployed to support affected Fire and Rescue Services, including supporting the evacuation of 9,000 properties and infrastructure protection in Great Yarmouth. Essex Fire and Rescue Service are also currently evacuating 2,500 homes in the area as they prepare for a severe tidal surge.”

“Hard-pressed crews in Scotland are also already dealing with the outcomes of adverse weather that have been ongoing throughout the day. We would urge people to heed warnings from the Environment Agency, to be aware of the possibility of severe weather and to expect disruptions to their activities and travel plans, especially along the East Coast.”