Almost 50 people gathered in Borth Memorial Hall on 21 October for an event organised to help residents prepare for potential flooding.

Borth Community Council’s event proved timely; two days later, the first named storm of the season – Storm Austen – rolled in, bringing heavy rain, high winds and rough seas.

During the evening, attendees received a presentation on the role of the village’s team of voluntary Community Wardens, who provide a vital link between residents, Natural Resources Wales and the emergency services.

They were reminded of the area’s Emergency Plan and how wardens can give advice on actions to prepare for flood risks, including how to register for flood alerts and draw up a personal flood plan. The wardens also play an important role supporting residents who may need assistance, and communicating important information during active flood incidents.

Isabelle Railton, Borth Community Council clerk and co-ordinator of the Community Wardens’ network, said: “We thought it would be useful to hold a meeting to refresh everyone’s minds about the steps they can take to prepare for stormy weather this autumn and winter.

“The main messages we shared were the need for wardens to check in on older or vulnerable neighbours before bad weather arrives and check they are registered for priority reconnection with their electricity provider; have signed up for flood alerts and have a simple plan in place should their property lose power or be affected by flooding.

“It is also worth putting together a small box of emergency essentials such as a fully-charged power bank; essential medication; house insurance documents; a wind-up radio; a wind-up torch or lamp and some hand warmers. These are all relatively simple things that could make a big difference if we experience prolonged power cuts or flooding.

“We didn’t know about storms Austen or Boelo when we called the meeting but the event did prove timely. Some homes in the area lost power during Storm Austen and there was a lot of water on the roads but fortunately, there were no serious flooding this time.

“With more unsettled weather potentially on the way over the coming months, it’s always best to be prepared.”

The meeting also provided an opportunity for residents to hear from members of Borth Community Council who outlined plans for some improvements in the village includint upgrading the playground area and managing the boat park. Locals were asked to share their views and priorities on village issues to help inform the community council’s discussions around the precept added annually to council tax bills.

Borth Community Council Chair, Esther Prytherch, said: “On behalf of the council, diolch yn fawr - a big thank you to everyone who came out on a wet and windy evening to what we hope was a useful and positive meeting.

“We are particularly grateful to our network of Community Wardens who voluntarily give their time to keep our community safe, and to representatives from Natural

Resources Wales and Dyfed-Powys Police who attended the meeting to share information and speak to local residents.”

More information, including the emergency plan, can be found at https://shorturl.at/tztWF.