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Weather hub: Storm
We'll help you face the worst of the British weather.
Storms and high winds are pretty common in most parts of the UK. Yet a few simple measures are often all it takes to limit the risk to yourself and your property.
Before a storm
Stay informed
The Met Office can usually give 3 or 4 days’ advance warning of a storm. So stay up to date with the latest forecasts and add your postcode to the live weather feed.
Ways to protect your home in advance
- As it’s the outside of your home where most storm damage occurs, that’s where to begin, starting from the top.
- Take a look at your roof. Are there any loose or broken tiles that could come off and injure people or damage property? As professional roofers are usually inundated with work after a bad storm, a timely bit of maintenance now could save you a lot of bother later.
- Check your guttering. Make sure it’s securely fitted and unblocked. As with tiles, loose guttering can be dangerous if the wind gets under it. Even if it doesn’t detach from your property, broken guttering can cause water damage in a storm.
- Storm damage to fences and gates may not be covered by your insurer. Make sure they are sturdy and secure.
- Bins, large pot plants, barbeques, gazebos and garden furniture can all be blown around dangerously during a storm. If you can’t secure them, try to move them further away from your home or to more sheltered parts of the garden. Storm damage to things in the open within your home may not be covered by your insurer.
- Check the seals around your windows and doors.
Have an emergency checklist
- Have an emergency kit ready, including a torch with batteries, candles and matches, tinned food, warm clothing and blankets.
- Have contact details of local roofers, heating engineers and electricians, plus your utility companies.
- Keep important documents handy like your home insurance policy and policy number.
- Put your policy's claims line number in your mobile, so it's with you at all times. Visit our contact us page to find the right number.
During a storm
- Stay safe. There isn’t a great deal you can do during a bad storm except stay inside, sit tight and wait for it to blow over.
- If there is a risk of flooding, turn off the electricity and gas. Never touch the electricity supply if you’re standing in water.
- Keep your emergency kit (see above) close to hand.
After a storm
What to do if your home or property is damaged, until you can register your claim
- Remove any contents that are damaged beyond repair. Don’t throw them away as you may need them later for your claim.
- Keep carpet or rug samples.
- Take photographs of all damaged items to help support your claim.
