Safety Tips: Prepare for Storm Dudley and Storm Eunice

The Met Office has issued warnings over Storm Dudley and Storm Eunice, with weather conditions becoming even more dangerous on Friday with “extremely strong winds expected for the southern half of the UK, especially in exposed coastal areas in the south and west.”

Image courtesy of the Met Office

Dudley is hitting the UK right now, with widespread gales to the northern half of the country, with Eunice making its appearance during Thursday and affecting the southern half of the country with damaging and disruptive windspeeds.

Wind amber warnings are already in force and wind speeds reaching up to 80mph for some, plus there is snow expected in some areas on Friday, it’s important to take steps now to stay safe.

Storm safety checklist:

Emergency kit

Prep some essentials to include:

Blankets and wellingtons for each person.Know your emergency services numbers, from your GP to Floodline (0345 9881188).Your insurance policies.First Aid kit, including hand sanitiser.Bottled water.Torch with batteries, or at least candles and matches should you lose power.

Secure your garden

Lock away your garden furniture, toys, tools, ladders and trampolines before they take off in a gust!Ensure your fences, gates, shed and garage doors are all secure and locked.

Check your roof and guttering

Keeping your roof in a good state of repair is essential, not only to meet the terms of your insurance, but to ensure loose tiles don’t cause any damage or injury in a storm.Keeping your gutters clear of debris will also keep them from bursting and damaging your home.It may be worth having a professional check your roofing, guttering, aerials and satellite dishes before the storm hits.

Protect your car from a storm

Avoid driving where possible, and if you do, keep your speed down to prevent being buffered by the wind.Park your car somewhere secure, away from any trees that could break in a storm.If you are concerned that your car may sustain damage where you will need to park it, don’t forget that you will need comprehensive cover, as opposed to third party to cover any storm damage. Contact your local branch now to check.

Protect your home from a storm

Look after your home by ensuring you tightly close and lock all of your windows and doors.Move beds away from areas below tall, older chimney stacks.Be aware that, in the event of an electrical storm, surge protectors can fail, and you may need to stay away from some of your electrical equipment.Check that your contents and buildings insurance is still valid, and that you are covered at an appropriate level, should you need to make a storm damage claim. Contact your local branch now to check.

Stay home

Avoid leaving the house unless it is an emergency, the storm will clear soon enough, and we would rather you remained safe and well until then.If you do have to venture out, try not to walk or shelter near trees, and keep away from the sheltered side of boundary walls and fences as they will collapse on this side.Do not go out to repair any storm damage while the storm is in progress.In an emergency, do not hesitate to call 999.

After the storm

Firstly, check in on vulnerable neighbours or relatives and help them if they are injured, or their homes or vehicles have been damaged.Beware of falling roof tiles when you do exit your home.Avoid touching any electrical or telephone cables that may have been blown over or are still hanging.Take photographs of any damage sustained to your home or car when it safe to do so.Make a list of the damage, this will help speed up your claim.If you have to make any emergency repairs, keep the receipts for your insurer.

If you do need to contact us to make a claim, you can find everything you need here, or for out of hours support, click here.

We recommend following the official Met Office on Twitter or via their website for live updates.