How to prepare for storms and high winds
What is the risk? Storms with strong winds can happen at any time of year but are most common in autumn and winter. High winds can damage buildings, bring down trees, and cause power cuts and travel disruption.
What you can do BEFORE a storm:
- Secure your property: Check that garden furniture, trampolines, bins, and plant pots are tied down or moved inside.
- Check your home: Check for any loose roof tiles or branches on trees that could cause damage.
- Prepare for power cuts: Charge your mobile phone, power bank, and torch. Find your battery-powered radio.
- Park safely: Park your car in a garage if you can, or away from trees, fences, and walls.
- Check travel: Before you travel, check the weather forecast and traffic updates.
What you can do DURING a storm:
- Stay indoors: Stay inside as much as possible.
- Stay informed: If you do need to go out, check for weather warnings and road closures. Listen to local radio for updates.
- Report issues:
- To report a power cut, call 105.
- To report a fallen tree on a main road, call your local council.
- If there is an immediate risk to life (e.g., a tree has fallen on a person or building), call 999.