GENERAL INFORMATION
[toggle title=”General Information”]Residents across the Isle of Wight should be prepared and take the action necessary to protect themselves and their property during adverse weather.
Exercise caution on coastal paths near cliff edges and near to the sea, especially at high tides and during strong waves. High winds can also pose a threat to public safety
You are advised to:
– Ensure your vehicle has enough fuel, to around 3/4 full (so supplies last longer)
– Buy or locate torches and check they are working and can be easily located
– Keep hallways clear at all times to prevent tip hazards should a power cut occur
– Ensure all windows and doors are firmly closed
– Buy supplies such as food and drink that will last
– Boil a few jugs of water, covering with a towel/similar should water supplies be cut
– Ensure mobile phones, tablets etc. are fully charged and working for vital communications
– Have to hand warm, waterproof clothing should the need arise to evacuate your property
– Consider those around you – take care of the elderly and infirm
– Check your household’s smoke alarms
The NHS asks the public to think about how serious their health problem is and then choose the right service:
– For very minor problems such as a hangover, indigestion, or a grazed knee, people should self-care
– For minor infections, coughs and colds, advice can be given by local pharmacies
– For ailments such as stomach pain and vomiting, a persistent cough or ear pain call your GP surgery
If you are not sure which service to choose, call NHS 111.[/toggle]
SANDBAG INFORMATION
[toggle title=”Sandbag Locations”]In the event of adverse weather where there is a potential risk of flooding, sandbags can normally be found in the following locations:
– Bembridge – Steyne Road car park
– Cowes – The Parade, near Cowes RNLI
– East Cowes – by the floating bridge
– Freshwater – Moa Place car park
– Newport – Riverside Centre (next to the textile bank)
– Ryde – Simeon Street Rec (West Hill Road entrance)
– Seaview – Duver Road
– Wootton – Brannon Way car park (off the High Street)
– Yarmouth – River Road car park
Please only take a maximum of 6 sandbags per household to ensure that stocks are available for other local residents. The use of sandbags should be restricted to the protection of access points into residential properties.[/toggle]
EMERGENCY CONTACT NUMBERS
[toggle title=”Emergency Contact Numbers”]Only dial 999 in a genuine emergency. All other issues should be directed to the correct agency below.
– Island Roads – 01983 822440 (or report online)
– Isle of Wight Council – 01983 821000
– Environment Agency Floodline – 0345 988 1188 / 0845 988 1188 (24 hour service)
– Enviornment Agency Incident Hotline – 0800 80 70 60
– Southern & Scottish Energy (SSE) – 105 for powercuts
– Southern Water – 0845 278 0845 / 0330 303 0368 (from a mobile)
– National Gas Emergency – 0800 111 999
– Isle of Wight Council Emergency Management – 01983 823316
– Isle of Wight Environmental Health – 01983 823000 / 01983 821105 (out of hours)
– Hampshire Constabulary – 0845 045 45 45 or 101 for non-emergency calls
– Leakline – 0800 820 999
– Wightcare – 01983 821105
– Spectrum Housing – 0300 011 0164[/toggle]
PREPARING FOR A FLOOD
[toggle title=”Preparing for a flood”]If you know your property is in an area that could flood, buy protection equipment and prepare your property well in advance to reduce the risk of flood water getting inside.
You can call Floodline on 0345 988 1188 or 0845 988 1188 if you are concerned about flooding.
What to do when flooding hits
– Collect blankets, torch, first aid kit, medication and food
– Move important documents, personal items, valuables, lightweight belongings upstairs or to high shelves
– Raise large items of furniture, or put them in large bags if you have them
– Move people, outdoor belongings, cars and pets to higher ground
– Switch off water, gas and electricity at mains when water is about to enter your home. Do not touch sources of electricity when standing in water
– Fit flood protection products if you have them, eg flood boards, airbrick covers, sandbags, and toilet bungs on downstairs toilets
– Put plugs in sinks and baths and weigh them down with a pillowcase or plastic bag filled with soil
– If you do not have non-return valves fitted, plug water inlet pipes with towels or cloths
– Disconnect equipment that uses water, like washing machines and dishwashers
– Stay out of floodwater
Whilst out on the road…
– Avoid walking or driving through flood water
– Be aware that flooding can cause manhole covers to come off
– Keep children and vulnerable people out of floodwater
– Don’t walk on sea defences or riverbanks
– Take care or avoid crossing bridges when water levels are high
– Take care crossing culverts as they are dangerous when flooded
– Look out for other hazards such as fallen power lines and trees
– Wash your hands thoroughly if you touch floodwater as it may be contaminated
In an emergency situation
– Call 999 if you are in danger, or people have been injured
– Check in on vulnerable neighbours
– Move people and pets upstairs or to a higher place with means of escape
– Remain calm
– Evacuate when told
– Follow the advice of emergency services if they tell you to evacuate – they will take you to a centre run by the local council and give you food and bedding
– Bring clothing, medication, and baby care items
– Bring pets in a secure carrier and pet food
– Tell someone if you intend to stay with friends or relatives instead of the evacuation centre[/toggle]
PREPARING FOR A POWERCUT
[toggle title=”Preparing for a power cut”]You should prepare for a power cut during adverse weather by following the steps below…
– Keep a torch with fresh batteries in a place where you can reach it easily
– If you use other forms of heating and lighting, such as paraffin heaters and candles, don’t leave them unattended
– Switch off appliances and lights, but leave one light on so you know when power has been restored
– If you have elderly or infirm neighbours, check to make sure they are comfortable. If you know of anyone who needs priority service, e.g. anyone on a ventilator or dialysis machine, contact SSE Priority Services team by phoning 0800 294 3259
– If you have warned in advance that the electricity will be turned off, boil some water and keep it in a thermos flask. You can use it to make hot drinks or fill a hot water bottle if it gets too cold
– Don’t open the freezer door unless you have to – this helps food stay frozen for longer. When the power comes back on, check the food inside. Food should keep for about eight hours without power. If the food is still hard and icy, you can leave it in the freezer. Turn the freezer to its maximum setting for 24 hours, before putting it back on a setting that keeps it at -18°C
Emergency telephone number for SSE – 0800 783 8866 / 0345 072 1905 (from a mobile)[/toggle]
Spotted an error? Let us know by emailing [email protected].
