BHC 4x4 Response Caddington

[PeteRestall]

BHC 4x4 Response were called out this morning to Caddington, just outside Luton, where a burst water main had filled the Gas supply with water. We spent most of the day delivering electric heaters and hobs to the elderly and vulnerable residents, as well as collecting some of these, along with equipment for National Grid Gas, from there local depot.



We were just about to stand down late this afternoon, after completing all our deliveries, when the power cuts started, due to the extra load on the system as temperatures started dropping and people started using the heaters and hobs, we were then transporting search and rescue teams around to knock on doors and assess the extent of the power failures.



Finally stood down at 20.00 this evening, but still have a couple of members on standby and a couple on duty at the village from 08.00 tomorrow morning.

[mark avo]

And they want us back over there today - not sure for what as yet but sounds like it will be another busy day.

According to the local news 5 main roads are without power and gas so I guess there may be an emercency center to staff & fill



More later.

[mattgreen]

Great work - which agency called you out in the first instance?

[Tony Ferrari]

I believe it was Central Beds District Council through BLEVEC (Beds and Luton Emergency Volunteers Committee) but i'm sure someone will confirm that soon.

[mark avo]

I believe it was Central Beds District Council through BLEVEC (Beds and Luton Emergency Volunteers Committee) but i'm sure someone will confirm that soon.





Yep, they coordinate just about everything in Beds. We were working with Midshires search & rescue, Salvation army, Red cross, St Johns, Local scouts, Police, Ambulance Service, District Nurses, National Grid, EDF & Viola - Think that just about covers it!

[PeteRestall]

We were finally stood down this morning, we did a run checking on all the elderly and vulnerable residents still without gas & electric, most were OK but some we got no replies from (most had probably gone to stay with relatives) but the council had enough bodies to cover the few that were left.



The feedback we received from the residents was amazing, probably the only way to describe it was a massive dose of the Dunkirk Spirit.



The response we've had from our members, as well as other groups, has been outstanding.



The strangest bit of all is that after a very intense 5 days, I'm suddenly sitting around like a spare part and feel I should be doing something.



So thanks to everyone who attended, offered support and advice.



And finally spare a thought for the residents of Caddington who will still be without power on Christmas Day, as well as the people who will still be working there tomorrow getting more people reconnected.



Have a Happy Christmas and enjoy the new year.