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How to protect your home before, during and after a storm

Jennifer Clarke
BBC News
Getty Images A row of pretty old white cottages in the centre of Tewkesbury in Gloucestershire has been inundated with brown floodwater, which is almost up to the bottom of the ground floor windows. Getty Images

Storm Éowyn is threatening to unleash severe gales across parts of the UK on Friday.

Weather warnings are in place and forecasters say buildings could be damaged, travel is likely to be affected and power cuts are possible.

What should you do to prepare before a storm hits?

There are a number of steps you can take to protect your property.

These include:

  • Securing loose objects outside a property such as bins, ladders, trampolines and outdoor games, garden furniture and tools
  • Checking fences and roof tiles are secure
  • Clearing guttering of debris such as moss and leaves
  • Closing and fastening external doors and windows
  • Securing storm shutters, if they are fitted
  • Parking vehicles in a garage, if you have one; otherwise ensuring they are as far away as possible from buildings, trees and fences
  • Closing and securing loft trapdoors
  • Making sure you know how to turn off your gas, electricity and water in case you have to leave your home, for example because of flooding
  • Charging mobile phones and any other critical devices including battery packs

If you are in a flood-risk area, try to move valuable or essential items upstairs or store them as high as you can on the ground floor.

Getty Images A damaged trampoline which has been blown out of a garden during a storm and is now caught between a hedge and an electricity pole. Getty Images
It is important to secure any free-standing items in gardens such as trampolines

Make sure you have emergency contact numbers for your insurance company, local authority and utility companies.

You may also want to gather passports, driving licences and insurance policies and a few days' supply of any regular medication you take.

Consider adding emergency contacts and medical information to your mobile - often called "ICE" or "Medical ID" on smartphones.

The RSPCA advises bringing all animals inside before a storm, and ensuring you have sufficient food, bedding and fresh water.

Listen out for bad weather warnings on local radio and TV, and check government and news websites for the latest updates.

What should you do during a storm?

During a storm, people are advised to stay inside as much as possible and keep internal doors closed.

If you do have to go out you should avoid walking next to buildings, trees and the sheltered side of walls or fences, in case of collapse.

You should not attempt to repair any damage while a storm is in progress.

If you have a power cut, switch off all non-essential electrical appliances but leave a light on so you know when the power comes back on. You can report a power cut online or by calling 105, which is a free service in England, Scotland and Wales.

If you are trapped by floodwater, you should go to the highest level of the building you are in. Avoid attic spaces because of the risk of being trapped by rising water, and only go onto the roof if absolutely necessary. Call 999 and wait for help.

Do not drive unless your journey is unavoidable, and steer clear of flooded or exposed routes such as bridges or high open roads.

If you have to drive, make sure you have essential supplies such as warm clothing, food, drink, blankets and a torch, and carry a fully-charged mobile.

Drive slowly, and be especially cautious around high-sided vehicles and when overtaking. Give other vehicles extra room.

What should you do after a storm?

Most home buildings, contents and commercial business policies cover storm damage.

Comprehensive motor insurance covers the cost of repairing or replacing vehicles.

Getty Images A row of red-brick terraced houses with tiled roofs which have been badly damaged in a storm. Getty Images

If you have suffered storm damage to your property or possessions you should:

  • Not do anything that puts you or your household at risk
  • Be especially careful around any exposed electrical or telephone cables
  • Only return to your home or business after a storm when it is safe to do so
  • Contact your insurance company as soon as possible: most have 24-hour emergency helplines, which can advise on next steps and arrange repairs
  • If necessary, arrange temporary emergency repairs to stop any damage getting worse. Tell your insurer and keep receipts, as this will form part of your claim
  • Unless they are dangerous, don't throw away damaged items without discussing it with your insurer, in case they can be repaired
  • Remember it can take weeks or even months for a property to fully dry out after storm damage, so you may need to wait some time before redecorating