Flooding Safety Advice from Mid and West Wales Fire and Rescue Service

The Service is urging everyone to remain vigilant, take proactive steps to protect themselves and their properties, and help reduce pressure on emergency responders.

Within MAWWFRS area, nearly 31,000 properties are at risk of flooding - with 24,000 are at risk from river flooding and over 7,000 at risk of tidal flooding.

During November 4^th- 5^th, MAWWFRS’s Joint Fire Control (JFC) Centre operators processed over 450 calls on flooding-related incidents within a 12-hour period, and a major incident was declared in Whitland as crews rescued 48 people from a flooded retirement housing complex.

Residents living in flood prone areas are encouraged to take the following precautions:

• Check that your household insurance cover is adequate and up to date.
• Keep a small stock of empty sandbags and sand – available from builders’ merchants and hardware shops, which can be used to protect doorways and air vents.
• Create a flood kit - include a torch, blankets, waterproof clothing, wellingtons, a portable battery-powered radio, first-aid kit, rubber gloves and key personal documents. (Keep it upstairs, if possible.)
• Stay informed, listen to local radio stations for news bulletins or call Floodline on 0845 988 1188 for advice.
• Sign up for flood alerts: Visit the Natural Resources Wales website to receive free flood warnings via phone or email.

While councils, the emergency services and Natural Resources Wales will assist where possible, individuals are primarily responsible for protecting their own property. If life is at risk, always call 999.

Rob Tovey Water Safety Manager for MAWWFRS said:

“We strongly advise against making any journeys during a flood. If travel is unavoidable take extreme caution - never drive into flood water of unknown depth. Vehicles can float in just a few inches of water and in fast flowing water they can be easily swept away. Water can also cause catastrophic damage to the vehicle components, leaving drivers stranded.

“We strongly urge people to not attempt to cross flood water on foot, as well as the risk of being swept away there is also the risk of contamination from sewage, chemicals and other biological materials, as well as unseen under water hazards such as lifted service covers and other trip and foot entrapments.

“We’ve seen a lot of footage circulating on social media of people playing in flood waters. While these videos may seem humorous, they depict extremely dangerous behaviour. Individuals are unknowingly putting themselves at risk of serious injury, illness, or even death. Please stay safe and keep away from flood water."

For further safety advice regarding flooding, please visit our website – Flooding Advice and for all the latest flood warnings and alerts, visit  Natural Resources Wales website.