Flooding - Rainham

The Brigade's Control Officers received a high volume of calls to flooded properties in Rainham this evening following heavy rainfall.

Firefighters attended multiple properties and helped residents in the area get to safety. Residents were advised to move up to the first floor of their properties where possible. 

Firefighters were in the area throughout the night using specialist equipment to get to residents. 

The Brigade has a range of equipment which can be used to help rescue people trapped by flood water, pump water away and protect properties. Fire rescue units, are equipped with water rescue equipment such as inflatable rescue boats.

The Brigade also has four specialist flood response kits, each of which contains rigid flood rescue boats and paddles and rigid floating pontoons, which can be used to make bridges and walkways to rescue people. They contain protective dry suits and boots to be worn by fire crews when rescuing people from flooded areas.

Firefighters have issued three top flooding safety tips:

• Put people before property.  Move your family and pets upstairs or to a high place if your home floods.
• Stay well away from flood water and talk to children about how dangerous it can be to play in the water.
• During a flood, don’t go out unless you have to. Remain calm and call 999 if you are in danger.