Flooding across London

London Fire Brigade's 999 Control Officers took over 1,000 calls to flooding incidents across London as heavy downpours saw roads and homes flooded. 

Firefighters attended incidents in areas such as Worcester Park, South Woodford, Leytonstone and Stratford. These included rescuing people trapped in cars, as well as responding to basement floodings, reports of ceilings collapsing and assisting people from their homes. Control Officers introduced batch mobilising to certain incidents, prioritising calls where there was a risk to life and attending other calls as non-emergencies.

Firefighters rescued three adults and two children who were trapped after their car became stuck in one metre of water in Worcester Park and used specialist water rescue equipment to assist partners at major flooding on Charlie Brown's roundabout in South Woodford. Crews are continuing to support partners at Whipps Cross Hospital today, assisting with removing flood water and ensuring the safety of patients.

As many begin to clear up in the aftermath, the Brigade is warning to take extra care due to an increased risk of carbon monoxide poisoning from generators used to dry out buildings. Carbon monoxide fumes are silent, highly poisonous fumes that are produced by the incomplete burning of fossil fuels (e.g. coal, gas, oil, wood). It can be difficult to detect because you cannot taste, see, or smell it. If a generator is being used to clear flood water, never run a petrol or diesel-powered generator indoors, and be aware of the signs of carbon monoxide poisoning.

What to do when there is a flood

• Be alert – listen for weather warnings in your area. You can also check your flood risk online.
• Prepare a flood kit or grab bag. This should contain essentials in case you have to leave your home. Learn more about grab bags.
• Protect your property. You can use sandbags to limit water flow and if possible, move belongings to a higher level.
• Look out for your neighbours. Make sure they know what to do, especially if they are vulnerable.
• For information, support and advice in your local area, visit your local council website.
• You can find further advice on flooding from the UK Government and you can also sign up for free flood alerts by phone, e-mail or text message. These alerts will let you know if your property is at risk.

During a flood

• If your property becomes flooded avoid walking through flood waters.
• Six inches of fast flowing water can knock over an adult.
• Flood water can also be contaminated or polluted, making it hazardous.
• Don’t swim or allow children and pets to go near flood water.
• Driving in flood waters
• Vehicles can quickly become unstable in moving water. Avoid driving into flooded water or a flooded area. If you’re driving and your car becomes caught in flood waters, you need to take the following steps.
• Ensure you and your passengers unbuckle your seat belts and where possible climb out to safety.
• As soon as possible after leaving the vehicle call the emergency services for help.
• If you become trapped in your vehicle turn on all the lights, including your hazard warning lights. Shout and sound your horn for help. If able to reach your mobile call 999.

What are the symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning?

• Headaches
• Dizziness
• Nausea or vomiting
• Breathlessness
• Collapse
• Loss of consciousness
• These symptoms also apply to your pets – so keep an eye on them too.