Storm Bert help and assistance

Local Authority Hardship Scheme

Merthyr Tydfil County Borough Council is offering financial support to those affected by the flooding caused by Storm Bert.

Each affected household and business will receive £1,000.

If you haven’t already been in contact with the Council about water damage to your home or businesses please notify us immediately via the following link, where you can also apply for the grant. 

Please, read the Local Authority Hardship Scheme Grant Criteria before completing the application form. 

Apply Online

Welsh Government Discretionary Assistance Fund (DAF)

If your property has been affected by the recent floods, you may be entitled to a Discretionary Assistance Fund grant from Welsh Government to cover any related expenditure you may have incurred. All applications must be supported by the local authority. 

Further information and advice on how to apply can be found below. 

Apply for DAF

How to recover after a flood

Contact your insurance company

If you’ve been flooded, contact your insurance company and follow their advice. If you haven’t got insurance, the National Flood Forum can offer help and support on 01299 403055.

Check if you can return home

• If you’ve had to leave your home, check with the emergency services that it’s safe before you return.
• Your home or business may also need a safety inspection by the utility companies before you can turn the water, gas and electricity back on.

Cleaning and repairing your home

• Take advice from specialists before starting repairs to your property. Most of the repair work after flooding will need to be undertaken by professionals appointed by your insurers.
• Flood water may contain harmful substances like sewage, chemicals and animal waste which could make you unwell. If you come into contact with flood water, wash your hands thoroughly.
• When cleaning your home after a flood always wear gloves, a face mask and sturdy footwear. 
• Before you start cleaning, take photographs to document damage and record the flood water height. Ask your insurer before discarding items that cannot be cleaned, like mattresses and carpets.
• If you use heaters or dehumidifiers to dry out your property, make sure there’s good ventilation. Never use petrol or diesel-powered generators indoors – their exhaust gases are potentially lethal.
• If you have any questions about recovering from a flood, such as disposing of used sandbags or damaged furniture, please contact us on 01685 725000.
• Please empty fridges and white goods before placing them out for collection - you can book a free collection by calling us. 
• When cleaning away soil and debris, please avoid sweeping it down the drain as this could block the drainage system. Please collect debris and place in your household waste for collection.

Protect your property from future floods

• To reduce flood damage you could take measure such as laying tiles instead of carpets, moving electrical sockets higher up the walls and fitting non-return valves.
• Suppliers of flood products and services can be found on Bluepages.
• Read the National Flood Forum's advice on how to protect your property from flooding. 

Help from other organisations:

• Both the GOV.UK  website and Natural Resources Wales gives practical advice on preparing for a flood and what to do during and after a flood.
• Financial Support is also available via the Welsh Government’s Discretionary Assistance Fund, information is available here - https://gov.wales/discretionary-assistance-fund-daf.
• Asda offer support via their Emergency Fund, more information here - https://www.asdafoundation.org/how-to-apply
• TooGoodToWaste also offer pre-loved furniture to those in crisis, more information is available here - https://www.toogoodtowaste.co.uk/