How to stay safe during a storm and what to do in a power cut

Storm Goretti is forecast to drop a lot of snowfall and strong winds throughout the UK later Thursday, which may cause travel disruption and damage homes. Amber and yellow weather warnings have been issued for large areas of the country, and cold weather health warnings are also in place across England.

How can you prepare and protect your home before a storm hits?

You can take a number of steps: If you are in a flood-prone area, try to lift or store valuable or essential items as high as you can on the ground floor.

What should you do during a storm?

Strong winds, such as tiles falling off roofs, can cause fires in buildings, and heavy flooding can result in floods. Public transport may be disrupted. People are encouraged to remain inside as much as possible and keep internal doors closed. In the case of power surges, unplug any non-essential electrical components. If you have to go out, you should avoid walking along buildings, trees, or the sheltered side of fences or fences in the case of fire. While a hurricane is approaching, you should not attempt to restore any harm to your house or possessions. The RSPCA recommends that all animals be brought inside and that you have ample food, bedding, and fresh water. Watch out for poor weather forecasts on local radio and television, as well as government and news websites for the most up-to-date information. If you're trapped by floodwater, you should go to the highest level of the building you are in. Due to the danger of being trapped by rising water, avoid attic spaces and only go to the roof if absolutely necessary. Call 999 and wait for help.

What should you do if there is a power cut?

If you lose electricity, you should make sure all non-essential appliances are turned off, but leave a light on so you know when the replacement arrives. You can report a power cut online or by calling 105, which is a free service in England, Scotland, and Wales. Alternatively, you can search for the name of your energy network operator by using this postcode search engine. If you have medical equipment in your home that requires electricity, it could place you on a priority list for assistance. You should report it by dialing 0800 111 999 if you smell gas and suspect there is a leak in your house.

Can you drive during weather warnings?

If your trip is unavoidable, do not drive. You should steer clear of flooded or undiscovered routes such as bridges or high open roads. If you must drive, make sure you have essential items such as warm clothing, food, water, blankets, and a torch, as well as a fully charged smartphone. Accelerate slowly and drive slowly, and be extra cautious around high-sided cars and overtaking. Give other vehicles extra room. If you do decide to start skiing, please stay calm, steer into the skid, and avoid sudden movements like hitting the brakes. If visibility is particularly bad, try your headlights or use fog lamps. Driving during a weather warning, including red, does not automatically invalidate your vehicle insurance, but it can make a claim more difficult. An insurer could try to show negligence, such as driving on a highway when it was advised not to, and deny the lawsuit.

What should you do after a storm?

Storm damage is the most common feature of home, contents, and commercial industry policies. If you have been hurt by your home or possessions, you should know that homeowners are responsible for the fences on the left of their house. In fact, there is no such rule determining which fence belongs to whom, so homeowners should verify their title deeds to see which boundaries they own. After storm damage, a house will take weeks or even months to completely dry out, so you may have to wait a long time before redecorating.