UPDATE 14.00 am, 17 October

Due to the forecast risk of rain and storms, cleaning services may be disrupted and waste collection is suspended. Residents are advised not to take out their rubbish.

The recommendations for episodes of intense rainfall are:

At home

• Close doors and windows, check rooftops, lightning conductors, drainage points and drainpipes and clear them of any accumulated rubbish.
• Disconnect electrical appliances and remove outside furniture and other items that may be dragged away by water.
• Do not leave objects or furniture outside that may be dragged away by water.
• Keep pets indoors.
• Keep any toxic products away from where water may reach.
• Keep useful items to hand: a mobile phone and charger, essential medicines, clothing and personal documentation.
• Do not go down to parts of the building that may potentially flood, such as basements, underground parking etc.
• Do not take out the rubbish. Waste collection service is suspended.
• If your home floods, turn off the general electricity supply.
• If the building you are in is not safe, get out, close the door and go to a higher point in the area.

In the street

• Seek shelter in a safe building and close the doors and windows properly.
• Do not cross riverbeds, streams, underpasses or any areas that may flood, neither on foot nor in the car, as these are where the most fatalities occur. It is best to wait or look for an alternative route.

In the car

• Slow down
• Brake smoothly.
• Stop if you need to.
• Do not cross flooded areas or park in riverbeds or other places which may flood.
• Keep a safe distance from other vehicles.

Leave your car and get to high ground when:

• The vehicle is immobilised by water.
• You see that the level of water rises too high on the road surface.
• You see the water level reaches the axles of your vehicle.

You can find full safety recommendation on the website for the Barcelona Fire Service.