Fire service responds to 90 weather related calls.

Devon and Somerset Fire and Rescue Service has revealed it received more than 90 weather related calls yesterday (Thursday) following heavy rainfall across the region.

These included more than 20 calls to vehicles in water and 29 reports of domestic flooding.

Further rain is forecast today (Friday) and Devon and Somerset Fire and Rescue Service is urging people to be aware of possible flooding and reminding drivers not to risk their lives by driving through flood water.

It has issued the following advice to members of the public:

• Do not attempt to drive through flooded roads or fords. The water is often deeper than it looks and may be moving quite fast. Your vehicle may be swept away or become stranded and vehicles can float away in just two feet of water.

• If your vehicle stalls, leave it immediately, if safe to do so and seek higher ground.

• Do not travel in heavy rain storms, unless absolutely necessary, and check weather reports.

• Do not attempt to walk through flooded areas. Even shallow water moving fast can sweep you off your feet and there may be hidden dangers such as open drains, damaged road surfaces, submerged debris or deep channels - these can cause serious injuries or even death.

• Children should not play in flood water, which can become contaminated with sewerage and chemicals

• Do not smoke, eat or drink whilst in contact with floodwater and always wash your hands afterwards

• Following a flood in your home, make sure all electrical circuits are fully dried out and checked by an electrical engineer before switching it back on.