Safety tips as storm expected from tail of Hurricane Gonzalo

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CHESHIRE Fire & Rescue Service have issued safety tips with storms expected this evening from the tail of Hurricane Gonzalo, which has been causing devastation in Bermuda.
The alert has been issued following a Met Office weather warning for later today, Monday (Oct 20) and Tuesday (Oct 21) as the tail end of Hurricane Gonzalo hits the UK.
The forecast is heavy rain and wind, with the strongest winds expected to occur after the rain clears. There could be gusts of wind up to 70 mph.

Safety tips during the storm
Please take extra care during this period of bad weather.
Safety tips for driving during high winds
•Drivers should slow down and be aware of side winds and be particularly conscious of the dangers posed by debris that may have blown into the roadway.
•Drivers should be extra careful when driving on exposed routes such as bridges or high open roads and are encouraged to find alternative routes where possible. High wind may cause difficult driving conditions, especially to high-sided vehicles negotiating the Thelwall Viaduct on the M6 or Barton Bridge on the M60.
•Drivers of high-sided vehicles, caravans and motorbikes are advised to take extra care when travelling due to the increased risk of vehicles being blown over.

Safety tips for driving during heavy rainfall
•Use headlights when visibility is seriously reduced, generally when you cannot see for more than 100 metres (328 feet). You may also use front or rear fog lights but you MUST switch them off when visibility improves.
•Give yourself the best chance of being able to see clearly in wet weather by renewing windscreen wipers if worn or damaged.
•Double the distance you leave between your car and the car in front of you, as stopping distances are increased by wet roads.
•If steering becomes unresponsive due to the rain, ease off the accelerator and slow down gradually.

Safety tips for residents during heavy rainfall and floods
•Keep an eye on weather reports on local television or radio news channels. Do not travel in heavy rain storms unless absolutely necessary. UK weather forecast – Met Office website CLICK HERE.
•If your home becomes flooded, make sure all electrical circuits are fully dried out and checked by an electrical engineer before switching back on.
•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, damaged road surfaces, submerged debris or deep channels.
•Remember that the during a storm the emergency services will be very busy, only call for immediate assistance if there is a risk to life or serious property or environmental damage.


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