Richmond firefighters bring in extra safety equipment in preparation for increasingly cold weather

Ready to deal with cold-snap related emergencies, the borough's firefighters have even been issued with extra equipment.

Emergency rescue boats, inflatable rescue paths, mud lances, thermal clothing and dry suits all make up the list of extra equipment firefighters will be using to keep residents safe, as temperatures drop to a low of -4C over the next few days.

Richmond firefighters also urged the public to take extra safety precautions.

Their cold weather safety tips include driving carefully on icy roads and staying well away from frozen ponds and lakes.

Homeowners should ensure house pipes are properly lagged to reduce the risk of flooding from frozen pipes and take extra care to avoid fires by keeping an eye on candles and heaters.

Greg Herne, borough commander for Richmond, said: “London Fire Brigade is taking every possible precaution to ensure we are prepared to deal with emergencies across the capital during the cold weather.

“Whether it is helping to save people from frozen ponds or pumping out flooded houses we are on standby round the clock to help. However, it is important that people take extra care during these next few days so that we do not have to be called out in the first place."

He added dog walkers should be careful around ponds to avoid a repeat of last year when several dogs wandered onto frozen ponds across the borough and became trapped.