Islington firefighters call on public to tread carefully as icy conditions hit

ISLINGTON firefighters have announced they are on high alert this week - as falling temperatures could bring a surge in home floods, road accidents and out-of-control fires.

With temperatures to plummet as low as minus-four, London Fire Brigade (LFB) is warning against frozen pipes - which can lead to home flooding - icy roads and the risks of using heaters and fires to fight the cold.

Islington fire crews have also been gearing up with emergency water rescue equipment, to save anyone unlucky enough to fall through the ice of a frozen pond.

Rhys Powell, LFB’s borough commander for Islington, said: “LFB is taking every possible precaution to ensure we are prepared to deal with emergencies across the capital during the cold weather.

“Whether it is helping to save people from frozen ponds or pumping out flooded houses we are on standby round the clock to help. However, it is important that people take extra care during these next few days so that we do not have to be called out in the first place.

“If people take simple but effective steps to protect themselves from the cold snap it could mean the difference between either their life being put at risk or their home becoming flooded.”