Firefighters in London are prepared for more wet and windy weather in the capital, with the Met Office predicting Storm Gareth will bring gusts of up to 50mph in the coming days.
The Brigade is warning Londoners to take care to ensure loose objects such as garden furniture and items on balconies are secure ahead of the strong winds. Crews are on standby to help in the event of structural damage or accidents caused by the weather, which could leave to unsafe conditions for the public.
In the 24 hours from midnight on Saturday to midnight on Sunday, the Brigade’s 999 Control Officers took around 140 calls to weather-related incidents. The call-outs included a wall collapsing in Stoke Newington, trees falling onto a car in Beckenham, and sheets of metal coming loose in Kingston.
Clear anything that could be blown away
London Fire Brigade Deputy Commissioner Steve Apter said: “Firefighters are always on hand should any buildings, hoardings or scaffolding be left in a precarious position and posing a risk to life because of high winds.
“To help stay safe during windy weather people should always clear gardens, balconies and window sills of anything that could be blown away.
“Residents should also take care if they venture outside and be careful if using candles in the event of a power cut.
“We are anticipating that our firefighters and control officers will be very busy so please only call 999 if it is a genuine emergency.”
The Brigade said that its firefighters are prepared and are trained to deal with severe weather, including high winds. The Brigade also has a role in coordinating the national response to severe weather including storms and floods.
Follow our advice to stay safe during high winds
- Clear gardens, balconies, and window sills of anything that could be blown away.
- Take extra care if you venture outside.
- If you have a power cut, be very careful if you use candles.
London Fire Brigade has 14 fire rescue units, which carry specialist rescue and cutting equipment.
