Flooding advice
The Civil Protection & Preparedness Team are ready to help people in Neath Port Talbot if there is flooding. Our team works with Natural Resources Wales (NRW) to help communities affected by floods.
Natural Resources Wales Advice
Natural Resources Wales three steps to take to prepare for flooding:
- Visit the Natural Resources Wales website to find out if you are at risk of flooding. Their 24 hour Floodline is 0345 988 1188.
- Find out if flood warnings are available in your area.
- Make sure you understand the flood warning codes so you know what to do when a flood warning arrives.
How to prepare for floods
Flooding can pose a serious hazard to health as well as causing damage to your property. Through basic actions you can reduce flood damage.
Flood kit
An emergency flood kit can help you and your family, especially if a flood happens at night.
Here are some things you can add to your flood kit:
- rubber gloves
- wellington boots
- waterproof clothes
- a torch
- ID documents
- first aid kit
- medicine
- a whistle
- emergency money
Write down important information so you can find it if there is a flood. This can include:
- where your gas, electricity, and water mains are
- contact details of family and service providers
- insurance documents
Keep these in a waterproof folder, in an easy-to-reach place, at least a metre above the ground.
General advice
FloodRE
If your home is likely to flood, your insurers may charge a higher premium. FloodRE is an initiative to make flood cover more affordable for people living in flood-risk areas. If you are struggling to find suitable flood cover, please visit FloodRE.
Check your home to see how flood water could get in. This could prevent damage and save you money.
You could install a flood gate on your front or back door to stop water from coming in.
Sandbags can also help keep water away from your home. Keep them in an easy-to-reach place to help protect your home.
Whilst we can't recommend specific flood products, the National Flood Forum offers a resource called the "Blue Pages". This directory provides information on various flood protection products and services that can help make your home more resilient to flooding.
If you have any questions, you can also contact the National Flood Forum Helpline on 01299 403055
Actions to take during a flood
Do not try and recover sandbags or other flood protection products during a flood. Even six inches of fast-flowing water can knock you off your feet. Flood waters have the potential to lift parked cars. Never underestimate the strength of flowing water.
Once you and your family are safe, take pictures of any flood damage with a digital camera or mobile phone. This could help with your insurance claim. Flood videos also help the NPTCBC drainage team to understand what happened.
Videos taken on a smart phone usually show the time they were recorded. If your home or land floods, your videos can help our investigation and your insurance claim.
Cleaning up after a flood
Anything that touches flood water needs careful cleaning and disinfecting, as flood waters can carry harmful sewage and chemicals. Wear waterproof gloves, wellington boots, and a face mask when cleaning your home after a flood.
Any food items that have been in contact with flood waters will need to be discarded as they are now contaminated.
To dry your home naturally, open as many windows and doors as possible to allow air to flow.
Use clean water and disinfectant sprays to wash your surfaces.
Before switching your electrical appliances back on, consult a qualified electrician.
NPT Buy Local
An online hub that lists local businesses and services offering support to people in the area.
These services include:
- food banks
- accommodation
- medical facilities
- property services
If you would like to browse the range of services on offer please visit NPT Buy Local.