Updated:Kent police say don’t travel unless absolutely necessary

Kent police have issued a warning to say don’t travel unless absolutely necessary. Officers have received countless calls of roads flooded, some over a foot deep, around the county and cars stranded. Police and other emergency services are doing what we can but please dont make it worse by trying to get through. Stay home and stay safe Snodland in Kent   Kent fire have said they are dealing with a number of incidents involving surface water flooding in North and West Kent. And issued the following advice Please take care around flood water and don’t enter it, whether on foot or in a vehicle. Update: Drive with extreme care. The M20 Junction 1-2  where river has burst its banks and now flooding  all three lanes of carriageway Amazingly drivers are ignoring warning advising them  to slow down!   Kent fire and rescue have  said that may not attend even if you call 999 in the first instance unless life is at risk they will send an officer  here there safety advice:     Kent Fire and Rescue Service (KFRS) may not always be able to help you in the event of a flood and firefighters will not automatically be sent. Instead, an officer will assess the situation and if they feel the fire and rescue service can assist, they will ask for the right resources to be sent. The officer may not attend straight away though as all calls are prioritised.   Ebf abda cc cb bf KFRS can only help in certain situations. There has to be a certain level of water before we can pump it away, and we have to be able to pump it somewhere without it having a detrimental impact elsewhere.

In the event of flooding, following these safety tips

• Motorists should not attempt to drive through flooded roads or fords. The water is often deeper than it looks and may be moving quite fast. Your vehicle may be swept away or become stranded. There may also be hazards under the water you can’t see. If you see a sign to say that the road is closed due to flooding, remember the sign is there for a reason.
• When driving, if heavy rain is making visibility difficult, pull over if possible. Remember that roads will be slippery during wet conditions.
• Do not attempt to walk through flooded areas. Even shallow water moving fast can sweep you off your feet and there may be hidden dangers such as open drains or damaged road surfaces, which can cause serious injuries or even death.
• Remember that the during a storm the emergency services will be very busy. Only call 999 for immediate assistance if there is a risk to life or serious property or environmental damage.
• If your home does start to flood, turn off your electricity supply.
• Keep an eye on weather reports on local television or radio news channels, and phone Floodline 0345 988 1188 for more information.
• Do not travel in heavy rain storms unless absolutely necessary.
• Look after neighbours. People have been known to suffer from hypothermia after their homes have become flooded with cold rainwater – even in the summer.
• If you have an elderly or vulnerable family member or neighbour who is at risk of flooding, contact them to ensure they are prepared and know what to do should their home flood.
• Listen out for warnings on radio and TV If you know your home is at risk of flooding, prepare a list of useful phone numbers and keep it somewhere safe.
• For sewage leaks contact your water company.

Advice for dealing with the aftermath of flooding in your property:

• Contact your insurance company as soon as possible and follow their advice.
• If you can get in to your property, take photographs for evidence.
• Protect yourself against contamination, always wear waterproof outerwear, wellingtons and gloves.
• Make sure all electrical circuits are fully dried out and checked by an certified electrical engineer before switching back on.
• Have you gas or oil central heating checked by a certified/qualifies engineer.
• Your local council may provide help for clearing flood damaged house hold items and protecting against further flooding (i.e. sandbags).

The River Darent  at Otford has breached is banks