Staying Safe During Storms
Heavy rain and strong winds are affecting parts of the UK, including Scotland, Northern Ireland, England, and Wales. Flooding and damage to property are possible, so it’s important to take precautions.
Before and During a Storm
- Stay indoors whenever you can and keep doors closed.
- Unplug any electrical items you don’t need to prevent damage from power surges.
- If you must go outside, stay away from trees, walls, fences, and buildings—they could fall or get damaged.
- Avoid trying to fix anything while the storm is happening.
Looking After Pets
Bring pets inside and make sure they have enough food, water, and a comfortable place to stay.
Keep Up to Date
Check local radio, TV, or government websites for the latest weather updates.
Flood Safety
If floodwater rises, move to the highest safe area in your home. Avoid attics—they can trap you—and only go on the roof if absolutely necessary. Call 999 and wait for help.
What to Do During a Power Cut
Driving During Storm
- Turn off non-essential appliances but leave one light on so you know when power comes back.
- Report the outage online or by calling 105 (free in England, Scotland, and Wales).
- If you rely on medical equipment, contact your energy provider to be added to a priority support list.
- If you smell gas, call 0800 111 999 immediately.
Only drive if it’s absolutely necessary. Flooded roads, bridges, and open areas can be very risky.
If You Must Drive:
- Take warm clothes, blankets, food, water, a torch, and a fully charged phone.
- Drive slowly and give other vehicles plenty of space.
- If your car starts to skid, stay calm, steer gently, and avoid braking suddenly.
- Use headlights or fog lights if visibility is poor.
- Driving in bad weather won’t automatically void your insurance, but claims may be harder if warnings are ignored.
After the Storm
Most home and business insurance policies cover storm damage.
Steps to Take:
- Stay safe and watch out for fallen electrical wires.
- Only return home or to work once it’s safe.
- Contact your insurance company—they usually have 24-hour emergency lines.
- Make temporary repairs to prevent further damage and keep all receipts for your claim.
- Don’t throw damaged items away before talking to your insurer—they might be repairable.
