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Bank holiday information - Easter

Bank holiday information for our services, including opening times and emergency contacts. All recycling collections will take place on the usual days.

Flood advice

Useful information if your home is threatened by flood water, or in the event of a flood.

We, along with the emergency services and Natural Resources Wales, will help where we can, but primarily you are responsible for protecting your own property. When flooding is widespread, it is not possible to respond to every call for assistance at once, and our priority will be to save lives.

If life is at risk, call 999 immediately.

We will:

  • maintain the highway drainage system, including highway gully emptying and keeping highway culverts clear
  • operate a 24 hour emergency service and respond to severe flooding events to ensure safety on the public highway
  • work to avoid or reduce flooding of the public highway, and maintain culverts on council-owned land
  • work with other emergency services in response to severe or major emergencies 

Our highways emergencies (24 hours) can be contacted on the following number: 01792 841657.

For information about flooding in your area:

  • phone the Natural Resources Wales Floodline: 0345 988 1188 any time night or day for real-time flood warnings and advice, including registration to the flood warning services, or
  • view their live flood warnings map on the Natural Resources Wales (opens new window) website

 

Flood prevention

Preventing flooding on private property is the owner's responsibility. 

Flood protection measures that can be taken by property owners:

  1. Find out if you are at risk of flooding. You can find out if your property is at risk by visiting the Natural Resources Wales (opens new window) website or calling floodline on 0345 988 1188.
  2. If you live or work in a flood risk area , you may be able to sign up to 'Floodline Warnings direct' and receive free advance notice of flooding. Call flood line to find out if warnings are available.
  3. Update your 'Home Emergency Plan'. Natural Resources Wales (opens new window) has a template that can be downloaded.
  4. Increase property level resilience against flooding.
  5. If applicable, use of sustainable drainage systems to replace impermeable surfaces will help to reduce surface water run-off.
  6. Report any blocked drains or culverts to us.

If you are concerned about flooding, the National Flood Forum offers further advice: National Flood Forum (opens new window)

     

    Preparing for a flood

    By making preparations for flooding, you can significantly reduce the damage and upset caused - especially if you live in an area where there is a high risk of flooding, or if you have had a flood before.

    Do

    • Keep a list of useful telephone numbers to hand such as your insurance company, Natural Resources Wales floodline number, emergency contact numbers for friends and family.
    • Check with floodline to see if there are any specific flood warnings for your area.
    • Get some sandbags or other flood protection to block doors and airbricks (making sure there is adequate ventilation).
      *Please note that we do not hold stocks of sandbags*
    • Make a flood kit. Keep a torch, phone and charger, battery radio, emergency numbers, writing paper, pens and your insurance policy in a safe place.
    • Know where your mains electricity and gas supply switches are.

    Do not

    • Underestimate the damage a flood can do. Contact your insurance company to make sure you have adequate flood cover.
    • Assume everyone knows what to do. Make a family flood plan.
    • Wait for the flood to happen. Floods can occur very quickly. Get prepared now.

     

    During a flood

    Do

    • Remember that during widespread flooding, the emergency services will be very busy. Only call for immediate assistance if there is risk to life.
    • Keep an eye on weather reports on local television or radio news channels. Do not travel in heavy rainstorms unless absolutely necessary.
    • Look after neighbours, particularly those who are vulnerable. 

    Do not

    • Attempt to drive through flooded roads or fords. The water is often deeper than it looks and may be moving quite fast. Your vehicle may be swept away or become stranded.
    • Try to walk through flooded areas. Even shallow water moving fast can sweep you off your feet and there may be hidden dangers such as open drains, damaged road surfaces, submerged debris or deep channels: these can cause serious injury or even death.
    • Walk alongside rivers or canals - this is extremely dangerous in a flood situation.
    • Allow children to play in floodwater - Floodwater can be contaminated with sewage and chemicals.
    • Smoke, eat or drink whilst in contact with floodwater and always wash your hands thoroughly afterwards.

     

    If your house floods

    Do

    • Turn off the electricity supply at the mains, if you can do so safely.
    • Get out of the water - move family, pets and sentimental items upstairs or to higher ground.
    • Make sure all electrical circuits are fully dried out and checked by an electrical engineer after the flood, before switching back on.
    • If your property or belongings are damaged, contact your insurance company. Ask their advice before starting to clean up.
    • The National Flood Forum (opens new window) website has a host of useful advice and further information on what to do if you have been affected by flooding. 

    Do not

    • Attempt to turn off the electricity supply while standing in water.

     

    Flooding safety advice

    • Only return to evacuated buildings if you are told it is safe to do so.
    • Avoid electricity sources and do not attempt to turn off the electricity supply while standing in water.
    • Get an approved service engineer to check your property utilities (gas, electricity and water) before turning back on to ensure that all electrical circuits are fully dried.
    • Beware of contaminated water and sharp objects in lying flood water.
    • Ensure that you have a working smoke alarm as there is an increased risk of fire from wet electrics. The fire service will provide a 'Safe and Well' visit if required: Mid and West Wales Fire and Rescue Service - safe and well visit (opens new window)
    • Take extra care if using candles and open fires.

    Lower Swansea Valley flood risk area

    Information for residents and businesses in the Lower Swansea Valley that are at high risk of flooding from the River Tawe, Nant-y-Fendrod and Nant Bran.
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