18/02/2022
As a carer I still need to go out, but if your journey is not essential, I would advise to stay home! I can still remember the storm in 1987, which was similar to this one expected and it was scary! Stay safe everyone!
⚠️UPDATE - There is a RED warning in place between 10am-3pm today covering the district. ⚠️
With extremely strong winds expected, here’s some useful information and advice below.
🌳 FALLEN TREES
We are expecting to receive a large number of reports about fallen and damaged trees during storms and high winds.
To report a fallen tree which is not urgent or a threat to life please report to us via our website: https://www.braintree.gov.uk/planning-building-control/trees-land/3
To report a fallen tree that is a threat to life or public safety, please call our Customer Service team on 01376 552525.
To report a fallen tree that is obstructing a highway please contact Essex Highways: https://www.essexhighways.org/tell-us/trees-hedges-and-weeds/trees-or-hedges
To report a fallen tree on a highway that is a risk to public safety call 0345 603 7631
♻ BIN AND RECYCLING COLLECTIONS
Bin and recycling collections scheduled for tomorrow are planned to go ahead as normal. They will be collected from 7am as normal.
Where practically possible, try to protect your waste and recycling from the wind by placing it in a sheltered spot to prevent it from being blown away. Ideally it should still be visible to our collection crew so they can collect it as part of their usual round.
If collections are disrupted due to high winds, updates will be posted on our website and social media channels.
Essex County Council has advised recycling centres are closed. They have also advised their Essex Country Parks are closed. Keep updated via their website, Facebook and Twitter channels.
❌ Closures tomorrow (Friday 18th February)
• Halstead Public Gardens will be closed. We would encourage all residents to avoid visiting parks or open spaces during expected high winds for your own safety
• Our 4 cemeteries at Bocking, Braintree, Halstead and Witham will be closed
• The top level of George Yard car park will be closed
• All Essex libraries are closed
⚡️ POWER CUTS
In the event of a power cut in your area, report to UK Power Networks by calling 0800 31 63 105 or simply 105. You can also report and check power cuts in your area at ukpowernetworks.co.uk/powercut
Households with older or disabled people, those with children under five, or where someone uses medical or mobility equipment that requires electricity as well as other reasons can join the Priority Service register. Call UK Power Networks on 0800 028 4581 and ask about the Priority Services Register.
🚗 TRAVEL
Be prepared for travel disruptions on road and rail. Avoid travelling unless your journey is essential.
🌧 FLOODING
While excessive rain is not forecast, you can keep an eye on flood warnings here; https://check-for-flooding.service.gov.uk/
Essex County Council is the local flooding authority: https://www.essex.gov.uk/floods-emergency-planning
We’ll be updating our channels as and when further updates come in. Please take care and stay safe Braintree District.
https://www.braintree.gov.uk/advice-environment/advice-storm-eunice
