FIREFIGHTERS have issued an urgent warning to all Herefordshire householders ahead of strong winds from Storm Eunice battering the county.
Winds could reach 60mph in Hereford on Friday as this week's second storm hits, with flood alerts also still in force for the rivers Lugg, Arrow and Wye.
On Wednesday, as Storm Dudley swept through, a crew from Hereford fire station was called to what it said was an unusual incident, but one which is likely to be common over coming days.
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It was called to the Grandstand Road area where a trampoline had blown away while the homeowners were out, with firefighters strapping it to a tree.
And now the fire service has warned everyone to make sure items are secure.
“We had a call from a concerned resident near Grandstand Road in Hereford,” said watch commander Luke Powell.
“A large domestic trampoline had taken flight in the high winds and had come to rest against a tree.
“We used lines and straps to secure the trampoline to the tree to prevent it from going on to the carriageway where it would have been a danger to life and to property.
“The homeowners were out at work so, as a courtesy, we left a note with them to let them know what we had done.”
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With an amber warning currently issued for Herefordshire in advance of the imminent Storm Eunice, Hereford and Worcester Fire and Rescue Service has told householders and business owners to make preparations for the arrival of "potentially damaging gales".
"Any unsecured items in yards and gardens such as, for example, dustbins or pet hutches, should either be secured or, where possible, moved inside sheds, garages, enclosed passageways or the home until the storm has passed," it said.
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