AA Advice On Preparing Your Home For A Storm

High winds and heavy rain during a storm can inflict considerable damage on your home. With the inclement weather that we’ve been experiencing in recent weeks, storm damage is a pressing concern for many homeowners. However, at the AA we know a thing or two about keeping your home safe. While it’s best to stay indoors if the storm has already arrived, our AA Home Insurance team has put together some helpful advice on steps you can take to protect your home before a storm hits.

Prepare Your Home In Advance

• Keep an eye out for severe weather warnings in your area, and be prepared if there is a risk of a power cut.
• Visually inspect your roof for loose tiles or damaged chimney pots and get any problems repaired. Also, make sure your TV aerial is secured.
• Clear your gutters and drain pipes to avoid blockages.
• Trim back any bushes or small trees that could damage your windows in a high wind. Be particularly mindful of any older trees in your garden which could have loose roots.
• Put a storm kit together: clothes, food and bottled water, a first aid kit; any necessary medication and emergency phone numbers; blankets and bin bags; a torch, batteries. Hopefully you won’t need it, but it’s always better to be prepared.
• Make sure you know where to turn off your electricity, gas and water supplies.

Before A Storm Arrives

• Secure any loose garden items, such as tools and chairs, to prevent them from being blown away.
• Unplug all non-essential electrical devices to avoid damage from power surges caused by lightning strikes.
• Park your car in a garage if possible, or move it away from buildings and trees.
• If you have any vulnerable neighbours, don’t forget to check with them to see if they need any help before and after a storm.

During A Storm

• Keep your doors and windows closed.
• Close your curtains to protect against breaking glass.
• Only open internal doors when needed and close them behind you.
• Don’t try and repair any damage outside until the storm has passed.
• If you need to evacuate, turn off your gas, water and electricity before you leave (if safe to do so).

After A Storm Has Passed

• If your home has been damaged by the storm, contact your insurance company immediately.
• Keep away from trees and outside walls, as they may have been damaged in the storm.
• If you’ve lost power at night, use torches rather than candles for light to avoid a fire hazard.
• Once the storm has passed and it is safe to do so, you should carry out an assessment of your property, including the roof, to check for any signs of damage. Early identification and quick repairs of any storm damage can help prevent the problem worsening during future weather events.