Emergency Planning
Flooding
Be aware
If you live in a river flood area your property may be at risk of flooding from severe weather events. If you live near the coast, there is always a possibility that a combination of high tides and bad weather will threaten your property. Even if you live inland, recent storm events have shown that the drainage system is simply overwhelmed by the amount of water it is expected to carry, therefore flooding can occur from surface water, field run off, etc...
What we are doing?
The Council will aim to:-
- Provide advice and guidance to residents, who may be affected by the event, on ways to alleviate the risk of flooding to their properties.
- Have engineers and maintenance workers on duty to provide immediate support at key locations and ensure that defences and drainage system are inspected, maintained and works carried out at earliest opportunity
- Maintain and clear road networks impacted by severe weather
- If necessary, assist in the evacuation of residents and the provision of temporary accommodation through rest centres
- Respond to requests for emergency assistance from the public based on priorities and also on the availability of resources, if safe to do so.
- Work with multi agency partners to minimise the impact of flooding and storms on the communities in Pembrokeshire and ensure the continuity of key services
At times of emergency, the Council will endeavour to protect the public at large and will not be able to assist a large number of individual homeowners who may find their properties threatened.
Flood alerts & warnings
Natural Resources Wales work with the Met Office to provide warnings to those at risks of flooding.
You can call Floodline on 0845 988 1188 any time night or day for real-time flood warnings and advice, including registration to the Flood Warning Services.
The free service provides flood warnings direct to you by telephone, mobile, fax or pager. You'll also get practical advice on preparing for a flood, and what to do if one happens.
Alternatively, check current flood warnings in place on: Natural Resources Wales (opens in a new tab)
Severe weather warnings can be viewed on: Met Office (opens in a new tab)
Natural Resources Wales cannot give residents warning of surface water flooding but you can find out about the possibility of this type of flooding by checking local weather forecasts.
How can I be better prepared?
1 in 6 properties in Wales is at risk of flooding. Floods can happen anywhere at any time. Make sure you know how to be prepared and what to do when a flood happens.
Responsibility for the prevention of flooding and protection of property lies with the individual owners/tenants. Residents of Pembrokeshire should not rely on the Council to respond to a threat of flooding to their property but should have in place their own flood protection plan (opens in a new tab) as detailed in Natural Resources Wales guidance, especially those who live in identified flood risk areas. Here is some generic guidance:
Before flooding happens
- Register for flood alerts, check flood warnings in force and keep an eye on weather forecast and warning
- Make a flood plan and ensure important items are not stored downstairs
- Prepare your house or business for flooding (opens in a new tab) If you require sandbags, please contact local builders' merchants for stocks of sand and bags. You can also find suppliers of modern non-sand bags designed for flooding on the National Flood Forum Blue Pages Directory (opens in a new tab). It is the homeowner responsibility to protect their properties.
- Keep drains and gullies on your property clear of blockages, leaves, etc...
- Check on your neighbours and vulnerable members of your community
National Flood Forum (opens in a new tab)
is a national charity dedicated to supporting and representing communities and individuals at risk of flooding.
Phone 01299 403055.
Flood Resilient Homes Case Studies (opens in a new tab)
What to do during a flood?
In the event of a flood it is important to focus on the safety of you and your family.
- Switch off electricity / gas supplies
- Fit flood protection equipment: flood gates, sandbags, toilet bungs (downstairs only)
- Move furniture, pets and important items to safety
- Switch on local radio
- Contact the Council to report flooded roads and properties
- Contact 999 if you require emergency assistance
If flooding has occurred
- Remember that flood water is dangerous and can be contaminated
- Be mindful that surface water flooding can occur anywhere
- Avoid travelling or if essential, check traffic updates and road condition before starting your journey
- Follow evacuation advice from emergency responders
What to do after a flood?
Here is some advice on how to clear up your home or business after a flood and deal with insurance claim.
- If you were evacuated from your property, only return if you have been told it is safe to do so
- When clearing after flood, always wear waterproof and protective clothing
- Contact your building and content insurance or your landlord as soon as possible
- If you do not have insurance, contact the Council to obtain details of grants or contact PAVS to get details of charities that may be able to help you.
- Ensure a qualified person/engineer checks your gas and electricity before switching it back on
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If you are drying your property naturally, keep doors and windows open as much as possible. If using dehumidifiers, close external doors and windows. Dehumidifiers can be hired at hire premises.
- You can clean and disinfect your property using ordinary household products. If you are a food premises, contact the Local Authority Food Safety team for advice.
Please note that the disposal of sandbags becomes the responsibility of the homeowner. Gloves should be worn in case of contact with contaminated water.