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.

Check for weather warnings on the Met Office website (https://www.metoffice.gov.uk/weather/warnings-and-advice/uk-warnings#?tab=map&date=2024-11-21)

Floodwater

Flood risks and warnings

1. Check your flood risk using the government’s postcode search (https://www.gov.uk/check-flooding)
2. Sign up for free flood warnings (https://www.gov.uk/sign-up-for-flood-warnings)
3. Plan ahead and know what to do in a flood: download the Environment Agency’s ‘Prepare Act Survive’ flood guide (https://flood-warning-information.service.gov.uk/public/pdf/flood_warnings.pdf)

If you’re in an area at risk of flooding, it’s important to have a personal flood plan. Visit the government website to download a template flood plan (https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/444659/LIT_4112.pdf)

Visit the Environment Agency's website for more advice on preparing for a flood (https://www.gov.uk/government/organisations/environment-agency)

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. See the National Flood Forum website (https://nationalfloodforum.org.uk/)

Stay safe in floodwater

• Do not enter floodwater for any reason. Even in the summertime flood water can be very cold and cause cold-water shock.
• 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
• Never drive through floodwater
• Don’t make unnecessary trips in bad weather conditions. You could harm yourself and others too.
• Vehicles can become stuck and even swept away in just 30cm of flowing water.

If we attend incidents where vehicles are in floodwater, it means we are not available to help others who may be in greater danger.

After flooding

If water mixes with electricity it can be fatal.

If your home has been affected by a flood, follow the safety tips on the Electrical Safety First website (https://www.electricalsafetyfirst.org.uk/guidance/safety-around-the-home/flooding-advice/).

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.

Power cuts

Weather events can cause power cuts. Use a standing electric torch or battery-powered lights, because candles are a fire risk.

Depending on where you live, you can get information about power cuts from the websites of:

• National Grid (https://www.nationalgrid.co.uk/) (formerly Western Power)
• Scottish and Southern Electricity Network (https://www.ssen.co.uk/Home/).

If you rely on electricity for medical reasons or use a stairlift, you can contact your electricity supplier to register for priority services. You can also register online with National Grid (https://www.nationalgrid.co.uk/customers-and-community/priority-services/priority-services-register/) who will do this on your behalf with all your suppliers.

The Priority Services Register helps all energy and water companies (the companies you pay your bills to) tailor their services to support households who need extra help in the event of a power cut, gas, or water supply interruption. By registering, you can ensure your suppliers are aware of your needs and you can get extra support when you need it most.

Gas emergencies

If your gas supply is interrupted following an emergency, such as 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 (https://www.wwutilities.co.uk/services/smell-gas/).

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.