🌬️ Storm preparation checklist

Everything loose outside becomes a hazard in a named storm. Secure it before the wind gets going, then stay away from it once it has.

16 items

1. Weather warning level checked for the actual areaYellow, amber or red changes what's sensible to do — check the Met Office rather than assume from a headline.
2. Garden furniture and anything loose brought inside or tied downA trampoline or a bin becomes a genuine hazard once the wind gets above about 50mph.
3. Bins secured or brought inA wheelie bin down the street on collection morning is one of the most common storm-damage claims there is.
4. Trees and fences checked for anything already looseA branch that's been cracked for months is the one that comes down in the gust, not a healthy one.
5. Guttering and roof tiles checked, if safely visible from the groundNever get on a roof or a ladder once a storm's forecast — report anything loose and leave the climbing for after.
6. Cars moved away from trees and anything that could fall on them
7. Torches, power bank and candles checkedStorms are a common cause of a power cut — assume you'll lose electricity and be ready before you do.
8. Windows and doors checked for a secure closeA door that doesn't quite latch will slam or blow open repeatedly through the night.
9. Curtains or blinds closedReduces injury from flying glass in the rare case a window does break.
10. Loft and any outbuildings checked for loose roofingA shed roof is usually the first thing to go and the last thing anyone thinks to check.
11. Non-essential travel cancelled or moved earlierEspecially anything on a motorway bridge, a coastal road, or under trees.
12. Emergency numbers and the property's exact location written downFor reporting a fallen tree or a downed line without depending on a phone signal that a storm can also take out.
13. Staying indoors and away from windows once the storm actually arrives
14. Fallen power lines treated as live and reported rather than approachedA line that looks dead can still be carrying current — stay well back and call it in.
15. Damage photographed once it's safe to go outsideFor the insurance claim, before anything gets cleared away or a well-meaning neighbour tidies it up.
16. Roof and guttering rechecked once the storm has passedDamage that looked minor from the ground is often worse close up — get a qualified tradesperson to look rather than the ladder yourself.