Health & Fitness
It never rains but it pours
As we continue to battle the ongoing influx of wind and rain sweeping its way across the country throughout the majority of the year so far, it may have crossed your mind that 2014 has made a particularly miserable start compared to recent years. And you’d be right in thinking so; reports confirm that we’ve had it even worse than usual this year.
Not only have we been inundated with enough rain to keep even the ducks satisfied (parts of England have had the wettest January in over a century!) it’s also been particularly blowy; the Met Office has confirmed that the last couple of months have been the stormiest in over 20 years! That fact that we’ve put up with several big storms in such quick succession has resulted in excessive damage to the roads and properties, as well as significant distress for citizens.
You’d think we’d put up with enough to at least warrant a bit of good news for the coming weeks, but unfortunately Mother Nature doesn’t seem to agree. Looking at the general theme throughout February so far, further depressions are probable. There is warning of further rain (yes, even more rain), as well as high winds and (in some areas) snow, in much of the UK for the foreseeable future.
Find out what's happening in Fox Point-Baysidewith free, real-time updates from Patch.
Since Christmas 2013, around 5,000 properties have been affected by destructive weather conditions. Many residents have been forced to evacuate their homes due to excessive damage caused by the high winds and rain, or amid fears that flood defences could be overwhelmed. With an already saturated ground, further rainfall is considerably increasing flood risk across the country.
With all this to contend with, it is not surprising that fire safety is not exactly taking priority at the moment. But what many people don’t realise is that these weather conditions can be equally destructive in this area, and it is important that those of you that still have an intact roof over your heads don’t neglect your fire safety duties.
Find out what's happening in Fox Point-Baysidewith free, real-time updates from Patch.
The storms sweeping across the country are bringing with them thunder and lightning, which is striking homes and causing disruption and injury, particularly within residential areas. Trees are also succumbing to the weight of the winter storms, not only causing thousands of power outages, but striking electric wires and homes when they are uprooted which is resulting in fire. Home owners need to be vigilant and ensure they are prepared for the worst. Be aware of fallen cables, weakened trees and loose masonry in your area, and take the relevant precautions where necessary.
Met Office chief meteorologist Paul Gunderson is reported to have said that there are more Atlantic storms expected for the UK in the coming week, bringing with them gales and heavy downpours. Forecasters are urging people to stay safe, and are reminding the public that they can sign up to receive free flood warnings, check their flood risk and keep up-to-date with the latest situation on the Environment Agency website.