What You Can Do
These short guides explain the main risks in South Wales and the simple actions you can take to prepare for them.
Choose a risk from the options below to see more details:
Flooding
What this means:
Heavy rain, high tides or blocked drains can cause flooding from rivers, the sea or surface water. Flooding can happen quickly and can affect homes, roads and power.
What you can do:
- Check if your home or work is in a flood risk area and sign up for flood warnings from Natural Resources Wales.
- Move valuables and important documents upstairs if heavy rain is forecast.
- Get the right insurance. Keep photos of key items.
- Make a simple flood plan: where you will go, how you will get there and who you will contact.
During a Flood:
- Stay out of flood water. It can be fast, cold and hide dangers.
- Turn off gas, water and electricity if you can do so safely.
- Do not drive through flood water. Find another route.
- If you are told to leave your home, do so straight away.
After a Flood:
- Avoid using electrical items until they have been checked.
- Wear gloves and wash hands after cleaning. Flood water may be dirty.
- Speak to your insurer as soon as you can.
Severe Weather
What this means:
Severe weather can damage buildings, affect travel and cut off power. It is not just very cold weather that can be dangerous. Heat can be dangerous for older people, babies and people with health conditions.
What you can do:
- Check weather warnings and follow travel advice.
- Prepare your car: fuel, warm clothes, water, snacks, phone charger and a torch.
- Secure loose items outside your home before a storm.
- In hot weather: drink water, keep cool indoors, check on neighbours.
Land Movement (including coal tips)
What this means:
South Wales has old coal tips and steep ground. Very heavy rain can sometimes make the ground move. This is rare, but it can be serious..
What you can do:
- Follow local updates and road closures.
- If you live near a coal tip or steep slope, make an evacuation plan for your household.
- If you are told to leave, go immediately. Help anyone who needs support if it is safe to do so.
Loss of Utilities (power, water, gas, communications)
What this means:
Short power cuts or water problems can happen at any time. Longer outages are less common but can affect heating, cooking, payments and contact with others.
What you can do:
- Keep a small kit: torch, batteries or wind‑up torch, battery pack for your phone, bottled water and some tinned food.
- Know how to turn off water, gas and electricity in your home.
- Write down important phone numbers in case your mobile runs out of power.
- Check on neighbours who may need help.
Infectious Diseases and Pandemics
What this means:
Illnesses can spread between people. Most are managed well, but sometimes an outbreak spreads widely. This can disrupt schools, work and health services.
What you can do:
- Follow advice from Public Health Wales and NHS Wales.
- Keep your vaccinations up to date. Get the seasonal flu vaccine if you are eligible.
- Wash hands regularly. Cover coughs and sneezes. Use tissues and bin them.
- If you feel unwell, stay at home and avoid people who may be more at risk.
Malicious Threats (terrorism and cyber)
What this means:
While very rare, attacks like these can happen. Simple steps can help keep you safe in public places and online.
What you can do:
- In a terrorist attack: RUN to a place of safety. HIDE if you cannot run. TELL the police when it is safe.
- Online: use strong passwords, turn on two‑factor authentication and beware of suspicious emails and links.
Be Ready at Home: simple kit and plan
- List of key phone numbers (family, neighbours, GP).
- Copies of important documents kept safely.
- First‑aid kit and regular medications.
- Radio (battery or wind‑up) and torch.
- Warm clothes and blankets.
- Bottled water and ready‑to‑eat food.
- Pet supplies if needed.
- Agree how your household will stay in touch in an emergency. Decide a safe place to meet if you are separated.
Where to get up‑to‑date advice
- Weather warnings: Met Office.
- Flood warnings and advice: Natural Resources Wales.
- Health advice and outbreaks: Public Health Wales.
- Power cuts: call 105 (free).
- Gas emergencies: call 0800 111 999.
If you need extra help, contact your local council. In an emergency, always follow the instructions from the emergency services.