Cornwall Fire & Rescue Service Newsdesk

Coverack at 20/07/2017 18:30

Summary - 18:30 20/07/17:

At 15:48 we received the first 999 emergency call from the Coverack area. In the three hours that followed Critical Control received in excess of 50 emergency calls to the area. Several of these calls were “Life risk incidents” from people who had become trapped by the flood water and were in immediate danger.
At 18:38 a major incident was declared and the multi-agency emergency centre in County Hall, Truro was opened
Crews from all over Cornwall were mobilised, including water rescue units from Penzance, Falmouth and St Austell, the incident command unit from St Just and welfare vehicle from St Dennis. The Red Cross Emergency Response Vehicle, which is staffed by Red Cross volunteers, also attended. Coastguard teams, including the search and rescue helicopter provided assistance and rescued two casualties from the first floor of a property.
At its peak there were over 27 appliances committed both on scene and in strategic locations providing cover in the area.
The last appliance on scene returned to its home station at around midday on Wednesday. Structural and highways engineers are inspecting the damage which has been caused to properties and the road.
A local hotel has made accommodation available to people who are unable to return home this evening and one elderly resident has been relocated to a local nursing home.
Thank you to everyone involved with the ongoing Coverack clear up operations.
Here's 5 top tips to keep you healthy and safe when dealing with flooding or damaged property:
Wash your hands with warm soapy water if you have been dealing with floodwater or damaged property - it will reduce the risk from harmful bugs including diarrhoea.
2. Keep open cuts or sores clean and use waterproof plasters to prevent them being exposed to floodwater.
3. Do not eat any food that has been in contact with floodwater or sewage
4. If using portable machines that have exhaust fumes to dry out rooms - make sure the room is well ventilated.
5. If you start to feel unwell, and are concerned then call NHS 111.
Visit www.cornwall.gov.uk/coverack for information about the Coverack flooding, how to ask for help, get advice or offer help #coverack #ccfloods or you can call 0800 731 3247






As of 06:00 19/07/2017
Cornwall fire and rescue remains in attendance on scene working with the community to salvage. Reliefs are being arranged for crews on scene. It is expected that the fire service will remain in attendance until midday assisting the community.

At 23:59 18/07/17
Cornwall Fire and Rescue service have been in attendance at several flooding incidents since late this afternoon. Currently the Fire service are scaling back operations in Coverack. Water rescue teams from Falmouth fire station and Coastguard water rescue teams remain in attendance working together. It is expected that two fire appliances and an officer will also remain in attendance over night assisting on scene.