How to stay safe during a storm and what to do in a power cut
Storm Goretti is expected to bring heavy snow and dangerous winds to the UK this Thursday. This could damage houses and make travelling very difficult. To stay safe, the government has put out weather and health warnings across many areas.
If you live somewhere that might flood, try to move your important belongings as high as possible before the storm starts. Once the storm begins, it is best to stay indoors with your internal doors shut. If you lose power, unplug things you don't need to protect them from electrical surges. If you must go outside, stay away from trees, tall buildings, and fences. You should not try to fix any damage to your property until the storm has completely passed. Remember to bring your pets inside and make sure they have plenty of food and water.
If you have a power cut, call 105 to report it. Keep one light switched on so you can tell when the electricity comes back, but turn off other appliances. If you use medical equipment that needs power, tell your provider so they can put you on a priority help list. If you smell gas at any point, call the emergency gas line immediately.
You should avoid driving unless it is absolutely necessary. If you have to travel, stick to main roads and avoid flooded areas or high bridges. Pack your car with warm clothes, food, water, and a charged phone. Drive slowly, leave extra space between cars, and be careful when passing large vehicles. While driving in a storm won't automatically cancel your insurance, your provider might reject a claim if they think you were being reckless by driving in dangerous conditions.
After the storm, check your home insurance policy, as most cover storm damage. If a fence has blown down, check your property deeds to see which side you are responsible for, as there is no general rule about which fence belongs to which neighbour. If your house has been flooded, be aware that it can take a long time to dry out properly before you can start redecorating.
