News MBC asking residents to prepare for stormy weather
As Storm Eunice has arrived in Kent with strong winds affecting the Maidstone area, MBC has taken the decision to suspend waste services this afternoon, Friday 18 February. Any one expecting a collection today is asked to take their bins and waste boxes back in and store in a sheltered area, if possible. The Council has apologised for any inconvenience to residents and businesses, but the safety of all during these extreme weather conditions is paramount.
For up-to-date information on the bin collection updates, please refer to this webpage.
The Met Office has forecast that the storm would hit Maidstone throughout today, Friday 18 February, bringing with it winds between 70 and 80mph. Because of the high winds, the Council has closed the car park and main entrance gate to Mote Park and is asking is asking people to please avoid using MBC park facilities, to take care and follow the guidance from the Met Office regarding severe weather warnings.
The strong winds could cause damage to property and possible power outages. The Council is asking people, if it is safe to do so, to ensure that all their property and any temporary structures are made secure or removed, and that they are prepared for possible power cuts in case they are affected.
As a result of #StormEunice UK Power Networks has extra field engineers and call centre staff on hand to support any customers affected. Call 105 to report a power cut or visit www.ukpowernetworks.co.uk/powercut #ukpnnews
Vice Chair of the MBC Communities, Housing and Environment Committee, Cllr Simon Webb said: “It is important everyone takes care during the storm. We hope that people have put plans in place as these can significantly reduce the damage to a home and possessions, reduce risk to life and the likelihood of suffering from mental health impacts in the future.”
Full details of weather warnings, along with a full five day forecast can be found on the Met Office website: www.metoffice.gov.uk/weather/warnings-and-advice
Keep up to date by following the Met Office’s social media channels, including on Twitter via @metoffice, @metofficeSEEng and @metofficeUK. The key hashtags to follow are #weatherready #weatherwarnings and #StormEunice. You can also follow the Met Office on You Tube, Facebook, Instagram, Snapchat and TikTok.
MBC has put the Severe Weather Emergency Protocol (SWEP) in place today (Friday 18 February) as Storm Eunice has arrived.
Implemented by the Council's Outreach Team, SWEP aims to prevent rough sleeping during extreme cold weather when the ambient temperatures ‘feel like’ zero or below to provide emergency accommodation for those in need. The Council considers the weather conditions and forecast when implementing.
The Council is asking anyone who is homeless and has nowhere safe to stay to ring the emergency phone line number 0808 196 3710 which is available Monday to Friday 9am-4.30pm but does advise that the number may be busy and callers may have to try more than once. If someone should need help or assistance out of hours they should call 01622 602000.