Safety in severe weather conditions

High winds and storm warnings

In the event of a Met Office weather warning for winds you can:

• secure garden furniture, trampolines, and move plant pots
• check your home for anything outside that could cause damage in the wind (such as loose guttering or fences).

During a storm

• Stay at home unless you have to travel. It’s the safest place to be. If your journey is essential, plan your route and take extra time to travel.
• If you see fallen trees or debris that is dangerous, contact your local council, unless someone is trapped or injured then call 999.

Floodwater

Flood risks and warnings

1. Check your flood risk using the government’s postcode search.
2. Sign up for free flood warnings, which could save your life or property.
3. Plan ahead and know what to do in a flood: download the Environment Agency’s ‘Prepare Act Survive’ flood guide.

If you’re in an area at risk of flooding, it’s important to have a personal flood plan. You can download a template for this from the government website.

For more advice about preparing for a flood, visit the Environment Agency's website.

Flood protection equipment

To prevent floodwater from entering your home, you can get flood protection equipment.

• Floodboards. These are fixed to window and door frames. They can be washed, stored, and used again.
• Plastic covers to seal airbricks.
• Sandbags. We don't provide sandbags but your local council might. They will only have limited amounts though. You can buy your own sand and bags, or fill pillowcases and plastic bags with soil.

You should remove flood protection equipment once the floodwater has gone, to help your home dry out.

The National Flood Forum is a charity that helps, supports, and represents people at risk of flooding. They have advice on their website.

Stay safe in floodwater

• Respect road closure signs, whether you’re driving or walking.
• Don’t attempt to walk through flooded areas. Even shallow moving water can sweep you off your feet.
• There may be hidden dangers like open drains, damaged road surfaces, submerged debris or deep channels. These can cause serious injuries or even death.
• Don’t smoke, eat or drink while in contact with floodwater, and wash your hands afterwards as the water may be contaminated.
• If your vehicle stalls, leave it immediately and find safety on higher ground.
• Keep children and vulnerable people out of floodwater.

After flooding

If water mixes with electricity it can be fatal.

If your home has been damaged by a flood, follow the safety tips on the Electrical Safety first website.

If there is water entering your property due to rainfall or leaks from a flat above you, you will need to carry out immediate repairs.

Gas emergencies

If your gas supply is interrupted following an emergency, for example, after a house fire or during a storm, you may smell gas. Sometimes damage can also affect gas pipes.

For Gas Emergencies, or if you smell gas in your home or business call Wales and West Utilities on 0800 111 999.

They are open 24 hours a day and will send an engineer to keep you and your property safe. For more information visit Wales and West Utilities.

Safety advice for gas emergencies

• If possible, switch off the gas at the meter (unless the meter is in the cellar or basement, in which case don’t go in)
• Open all your windows and doors
• Do not use any electrical appliances, this includes switching your lights on or off
• Do not smoke or use naked flames
• If there’s a smell of gas in the cellar or basement, wait outside.