Flood safety

1. Stay informed

Before anything else, check flood warnings and river levels. You can use the Natural Resources Wales (NRW) live flood map for the latest information or call Floodline on 0345 988 1188.

2. Prepare your property

If you’re about to face flooding, gather your flood kit, and get ready to move people and pets to a safe place. Move important items and documents, secure loose objects, put flood gates in place, and turn off gas, electricity, and water.

3. Protect your home

Block water entry through doors and windows with sandbags, or pillowcases or plastic bags filled with soil. Cover airbricks and vents. Put plugs into sinks and baths, close lids on toilets, and weigh them down. Unplug appliances and block water inlet pipes.

4. Minimise damage

If water does enter your property, move rugs and lightweight furniture. Throw curtains over rails out of reach of floodwater. Lift unmovable items with bricks or pallets, covering the bottom with plastic bags.

5. Safe spaces

Move to an upstairs room with a window as a potential escape route. If you don’t have an upstairs, find a safe place, and contact your local Council for emergency accommodation.

6. Responding to flood warnings

Be aware of flood alerts and warnings. In case of a severe flood warning, be ready to evacuate to a safe place, co-operate with emergency services, and call 999 if in immediate danger.

7. Report issues

Contact us on 03000 030 888 to report flooding problems. To report a gas or carbon monoxide emergency call 0800 111 999. To report animals in danger or distress, call the RSPCA emergency number 0300 1234 999.

8. Evacuation

If evacuated, listen to emergency services, especially if self-isolating due to COVID-19. Take your flood kit with you, as well as spare clothing and pet necessities.

9. Stay informed during evacuation

Stay updated on travel information through Traffic Wales, Traveline Cymru, local Facebook groups, radio stations, and follow advice from your local Council.

Essential

• Important documents e.g. passports, home insurance, drivers license
• Cash or credit cards
• Prescription medicine
• Children’s essentials e.g. milk and sterilised bottles, baby food, nappies, wipes
• Important contact details
• First aid kit
• Bottled water

Useful

• Mobile phone & charger
• Torch & batteries or wind up torch
• Radio and batteries or wind up radio
• Camera
• Tinned (plus can opener) or non-perishable food items
• Blankets and warm/waterproof clothing
• Wash kit containing essential items