Fire chiefs issue flood warning after spate of callouts across Brighton and Hove

Fire chiefs are reminding people to be prepared for the possibility of flooding, especially those living in areas prone to floods or properties that have flooded before.

The reminder came after half a dozen overnight incidents.

East Sussex Fire and Rescue Service said that floods can happen quickly so don’t leave it until it’s too late to prepare.

Advice included working out where and how to turn off electricity and gas supplies and having easy access to any numbers needed should the worst happen, including for insurance.

Sandbags and plastic sheeting can help in some cases – as can ensuring drains and gutters are kept clear.

The fire service said: “While it’s impossible to completely flood-proof a property, there are lots of things you can do to reduce the damage flooding can cause.”

One example was raising the position of electrical sockets, especially on the ground floor or in basements.

The fire service said: “Overnight, East Sussex felt the brunt of Storm Emma and East Sussex Fire and Rescue Service attended a large number of floods at residential properties across East Sussex.”

These included a homes in Second Avenue, Hove, at about 8.30pm last night, Kingscote, Brighton, at about 12.30pm and another in Cromwell Road, Hove, shortly before 1am.

Just before 1.45am a crew was sent to another flooded home in College Terrace, Kemp Town, at 2.20am it was the same situation in Bexhill Road, Woodingdean.

And shortly before 5.30am a crew from Hove dealt with flooding at a house in Fairway Crescent, Portslade, where firefighters carried out salvage and isolated the flood.