Burst pipe warning from Surrey Fire and Rescue Service

With the county returning to its usual shade of green, the fire service is reminding residents that the cold weather has not yet released its icy grip, forecasting more burst pipes and calls for assistance to come.

Assistant Chief Fire Officer, Simon Moore said: "Although the snow maybe disappearing, temperatures continue to hover around freezing, causing continued problems for residents at home and outdoors. With an increasing demand for help during this snowy and icy period, it's essential that residents only call us when there is a genuine risk to life. Fire crews cannot fix burst pipes. We strongly recommend residents know where to locate and how to isolate their water and electrical supplies to avoid the service diverting valuable resources from our primary functions: fighting fires, and responding to road accidents and other life threatening emergencies."

The service has responded to 40 fires during this period whilst dealing with a steady stream of calls regarding burst pipes, 30 in six days, and 38 special service requests, including road traffic and water rescues as a result of the icy conditions.

Residents who are experiencing burst pipes or electrical problems caused by the winter weather are advised to isolate their water or electrical supply where possible and to contact a local trader to fix the leak - not the fire service.

In a burst pipe emergency:

• Turn off the water at the main supply and drain the system by running all the cold taps.
• Turn off the water heating system then drain it by running all the hot taps.
• Turn off the electrics.
• Call in the professionals to repair the damage.

To prevent a burst pipe from ruining your home this winter, HomeServe offers the following advice:

• Insulate your loft and the sides of your water tanks.
• Insulate all your pipes.
• Open the loft trap door on cold days to let heat in.
• If you're planning to be away for a while, ask a friend or relative to check on your home and make sure pipes haven't burst or frozen.
• Replace the washers on dripping taps because if they freeze they'll block the pipe.
• Make sure you know where your stop tap is and check regularly that you can turn it off easily in an emergency.
• In very cold weather, keep your heating on low throughout the day, or set to come on a couple of times a day, especially if you're going away.

When enjoying the outdoors, the service has specific advice for parents and owners of livestock and domestic pets, urging them to keep children and animals away from frozen lakes and ponds. Children and animals can easily fall through the ice becoming trapped or overcome by the freezing water. Should your child or pet get into trouble, never enter the water yourself to rescue them. If available, throw an emergency buoyancy aid and call the emergency services or RSPCA (0300 1234 999) immediately.

Residents are also advised to check the www.surreyalert.info Opens in a new window website for local information or tune into the local radio station. Up to date weather and travel information is available at www.metoffice.co.uk Opens in a new window and www.highways.gov.uk/traffic Opens in a new window.

If anyone's life is at risk as a result of the severe weather call 999 immediately to seek the assistance of the emergency services.

Further information about fire safety in the home can be dowloaded from the FireKills website www.direct.gov.uk/firekills Opens in a new window