2 min read
16th February 2022

Protect Your Home And Car Against Storm Damage

Photo by Kaique Rocha from Pexels
rainy day in the city

Prepare Your Home Against Storm Damage

  • Check the roof – is the condition good? Make sure the TV aerial is secure and check for loose tiles secure them.
  • Make sure all the gutters and down pipes are free of clutter to help avoid blockages.
  • In the garden — check your trees and cut off any branches that could fall down during a storm and possibly damage your house.
  • Make sure you know how to turn off your gas, electric and water supplies just in case.
  • Move your non-essential electrical appliances upstairs and keep them unplugged.
  • Keep fences, sheds and garages properly secured and store away any garden tools or outdoor furniture.
  • Lock away your valuables and back up any important files/documents on your computer.
  • Draw up an evacuation plan for you and your family.
  • Prepare an emergency kit and keep it easily accessible:
    • Working torch and portable radio (with spare batteries).
    • Tinned food, bottled water, enough for at least three days, and portable/camping stove.
    • Warm waterproof clothing and blankets.
    • A list of local emergency numbers, such as your GP surgery and your local council's emergency line.
    • Insurance details.
    • First aid kit and prescription medicines.
    • Hand sanitiser, disposable masks and gloves.

If you’re in an area prone to flooding, you could try:

  • Instead of carpets, especially on the ground floor, using ceramic tiles or wood flooring.
  • Raising kitchen units and electrical sockets above ground level.
  • Getting an electric generator in case of long-term electricity outages.
  • Using one-way non-return valves in the drainage systems, impact resistant glass for windows and flood doors.
  • Install smart bricks, which have valves that shut in the event of a flood, replacing the standard airbricks.
  • installing storm shutters and getting temporary flood protection equipment that can help keep floodwater out of your home.

During A Storm

  • Remain indoors if possible and if you must go outside avoid being close to buildings and trees.
  • Keep all doors and windows closed; only open internal doors if necessary and make sure you shut them behind you.
  • Wait until the storm has blown over before you try to repair anything outside.
  • During a thunderstorm, avoid using your landline unless it’s an emergency.

You And Your Car In A Storm

  • Make sure to park your car in a garage, if you have to park outside, keep it away from debris, trees and buildings, and if possible, on an elevated spot.
  • The use of hail covers can help prevent or reduce damage; you can also use blankets, as an alternative, but make sure you secure them properly.
  • Make sure that you fill up your car before a storm hits in case you need to leave in a hurry.
  • Make sure you disconnect the battery as this can protect your car’s electrical systems if the vehicle gets waterlogged.
  • Avoid driving into flooded areas; if you must do it, as a last resort, check the water depth and look out for hazards such as floating debris or downed power lines. You shouldn’t attempt to drive through moving water more than four inches deep and six inches for standing water.

If your car’s flooded:

  • Before trying to start the car make sure that anything mechanical or electrical dry completely ;
  • To help dry out the vehicle open all the doors and use a vacuum, fan or heater if needed.
  • Before starting your car drain any existing fluids and replace them with new ones.
  • Replace your air filter;
  • Get your car serviced
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