The Met Office has issued an immediate yellow weather warning for South Wales as floods and power cuts are likely until about 4pm today. When flooding is imminent, it’s important to be prepared and ready to respond with electrical safety in mind.

The yellow weather warning will only impact parts of South Wales, including Bridgend, Merthyr Tydfil, Neath Port Talbot, Powys, Rhondda Cynon Taf and Swansea.

Paul Collins, Technical Director of the NICEIC – the UK’s leading certification body for electrical businesses – shares essential steps for homeowners facing imminent flooding.

If you are certain that flooding is imminent:

The first step is to isolate the power supply to your home by turning off the main consumer unit (fuse-board). This will ensure there is no electricity flowing throughout your home that could be damaged or cause an electrical shock. Secondly, remove plugs from socket-outlets and take portable appliances to higher ground or remove them from the home entirely if it is safe to do so. In the event that it is dark, and you need a light source to do this, use a torch if possible.

Incidents of flooding often leave very little time to prepare. If there is only time to turn off the consumer unit, this can be done before leaving if it is safe to do so. Do not return to assess damage until the water has subsided and it is declared safe for re-entry.

After flooding has ceased:

Once cleared for entry, ensure you turn the consumer unit off (if it is not already off and only if it safe to do so). Also unplug any affected electrical appliances.

Do not attempt to clean up, use electrical appliances or carry out electrical DIY repairs. First, contact an NICEIC-registered electrician to assess any electrical damage to the home and ensure an electrical installation condition report (EICR) is issued to inform the repairs needed. Any electrical repairs should also be carried out by an NICEIC-registered electrician – not yourself.

Remember, some damage to electrical systems and appliances damage cannot be seen. So even if you think your home is safe, ensure you get a NICEIC-registered electrician to check and give you peace of mind that your home is safe.