Flooding

Residents across Wales should know how to keep themselves and loved ones safe during flooding events.

Water Safety Wales aims to prevent accidental drowning and raise awareness about flood-related incidents, showing that they are preventable with proper knowledge and precautions.

What’s the risk?

• Cold-water shock: Falling into water unexpectedly can trigger a dangerous physical reaction.
• Fast flowing water: Flooding can cause fast currents that can easily knock an adult of their feet or float a car. It can also be very difficult to gauge water depth and speed.
• Physical hazards: Flood water can conceal physical hazards such as manholes, debris and uneven surfaces, increasing the risk of trips and falls.

How to minimise risk:

Be prepared

• Check your local flood risk by visiting the Natural Resources Wales (NRW) Website.
• Sign up for flood alerts if you live in or near flood-prone areas.
• Prepare an emergency flood bag with essentials, such as your insurance documents, a torch and phone charger and battery pack. Flooding can occur year-round, so keep it handy.

Avoid flood waters

• You can’t always tell how deep floodwater is. Don’t take a risk, if in doubt, don’t drive along a flooded road. Car wheel height water can wash a car away.
• Even shallow water can pose risks ankle deep fast-moving water can knock you off your feet.