Local Information
FLOOD INFORMATION
Advice from Bridgend County Borough Council
DURING A FLOOD
· In the event of a flood, focus on the safety of you and your family.
· Put people before property.
· Cooperate with the emergency services if they tell you to evacuate during flooding.
· Be prepared to act quickly to get yourself to safety.
WHAT TO DO IN AN EMERGENCY
· Important! Flood water is dangerous
· Avoid walking or driving through it.
· Keep children and vulnerable people away from it.
· Wash your hands thoroughly if you touch it.
· Listen to and act on the advice of the emergency services. Follow these simple steps to stay safe.
· Gather essential items together either upstairs or in a high place.
· Fill jugs and saucepans with clean water.
· Move your family and pets upstairs, or to a high place with a means of escape.
· Turn off gas, electricity and water supplies when flood water is about to enter your home if safe to do so. DO NOT touch sources of electricity when standing in flood water.
· Keep listening to 106.3 Bridge FM for updates or call Floodline 0845 988 1188.
· Flood water can rise quickly, stay calm and reassure those around you. Call 999 if you are in danger.
· The local council may provide these during a flood, but depending on conditions their availability may be scarce. You can also fill pillowcases and plastic bags with earth as an alternative is necessary, but please be aware that following a flood, they will be contaminated by sewage in the water.
· If you have floodboards, fix them to frames around windows and doors. They can be washed, stored and used again. Always remove flood protection equipment once the flood water has gone. This will help your property dry out.
· Stay alert to localised flooding - also known as ‘surface water’ flooding. This usually happens where drainage systems are unable to cope with heavy spells of rainfall. Rainwater is unable to drain away and quickly builds up, causing flooding in unexpected places. We cannot warn you of this type of flooding.
YOUR FLOOD WARNING SERVICE
· Call Floodline on 0845 988 1188
· Other flood warnings
· Sirens – usually a wailing sound only activated when a flood is about to happen.
· Loud hailers – a vehicle will drive around repeating the flood warnings.
· Other places to get the latest flood update
· Teletext Page 159, Ceefax Page 419 and Digital Ceefax Page 405.
· Local weather, news and travel bulletins.
· Click here to find out more from the Environment Agency Wales.
PROTECT WHAT YOU CAN
· Move important items to safety and put flood protection equipment in place when there is a flood warning. Follow manufacturer instructions carefully to help stop the flood water.
· Take items upstairs or to a high point in your property
· Safely store important documents such as insurance papers.
· Move items of personal value such as photos, family videos or treasured mementos.
· Move lightweight household belongings you can pick up easily and quickly.
· Move items of furniture that are expensive or harder to repair before cheaper ones.
· If possible, move your outside belongings to higher ground
· If the flood water hasn’t reached you, move your car to higher ground and move outdoor pets to safety.
· Help stop water entering your home
· Put plugs in sinks and baths. Weigh them down with a sandbag, a pillowcase or plastic bag filled with garden soil, or a heavy object.
· If you do not have non-return valves fitted
· Plug water inlet pipes with towels or cloths.
· Disconnect any equipment that uses water (like washing machines and dishwashers).
BUT EVACUATE WHEN YOU ARE TOLD.
· Stay safe, always listen to the advice of the emergency services and evacuate when told to do so.
· Leave your home if the emergency services say so. Refusing to leave on their advice will put you, your family and those trying to help you at risk.
· When you are evacuated you will be taken to an evacuation centre run by your local council. Free food and bedding is provided. Bring spare clothing, essential medication and babycare items if you have an infant.
· Most evacuation centres will let you bring your pets. Take their food. Put cats and small animals in a pet carrier or secure box.
· People running the centres are trained to give you support and advice. They will help you through the stress of a flood and prepare you for what to do afterwards.
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