Your guide to getting through a storm

12th November 2024

With high winds, heavy rain and even snowfall, storms can cause huge disruption. As well as bringing down power and communication networks, fallen trees and flooding can damage roads, railways and other things we rely on in everyday life. Usually, we get a bit of notice that a storm is on the way, so use our checklist to get your home and family ready and stay safe while you ride it out.

Before the storm

  • Secure outdoor items like garden furniture, ladders and toys or trampolines that could be blown around in high winds and break windows
  • Make sure all doors and windows are closed and securely fastened – including the trapdoor to the loft if you have one
  • Move your vehicle(s) into a garage if you have one, or make sure they’re parked away from buildings, trees, walls and fences if you don’t
  • Check the roof, clearing away loose or cracked roof tiles that could be dislodged and make sure any aerials or satellite dishes are secure
  • Remove any loose bricks from around your chimney stack, and move beds away from chimney breasts inside – it’s rare but they could collapse
  • Clear your gutters to prevent them overflowing
  • Get rid of loose or overhanging branches in the garden
  • Check that fence panels and gates are secure
  • Prepare your emergency power cut kit
  • Dig out contact details for your energy and utility suppliers – you may need to reach them if there’s an outage
  • Keep checking the weather forecast so you know when the storm is likely to strike your area
  • Charge phones, power banks, batteries, medical equipment and any other essential devices in case there’s a power cut
  • Offer to help elderly or vulnerable neighbours or relatives to prepare

During the storm

  • Stay indoors as much as possible
  • If you absolutely must go out, avoid walking close to or sheltering under trees
  • Wait until the storm has passed before trying to repair any damage outside
  • Close all windows and internal doors, and keep them shut after entering or leaving rooms
  • Unplug electrical devices as much as possible – lightning can cause power surges
  • Avoid metal objects like bikes or scooters while outside as they attract and conduct lightning
  • Don’t use an umbrella or shelter under a tree, cliff or cave during a lightning storm
  • If you’re already driving when a storm strikes, take extra care on exposed routes and park safely away from trees and overhead power lines
  • Keep as far away as possible from any power lines that have been brought down by the storm

After the storm

  • Don’t touch any electrical or phone cables that have been blown down
  • Don’t walk too close to walls, buildings or trees – the storm could have weakened them and they could still fall
  • Report fallen trees or hazards to your local council or on 999 if they’re an immediate threat to life
  • Check in on vulnerable neighbours or relatives to make sure they’re safe and to make arrangements for any repairs
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