Storm Preparedness for UK Homes: Before, During and After

When the Met Office names a storm and issues a wind warning, you usually have a day or two to get ready. That window matters. A little preparation, from tying down the trampoline to charging a power bank, turns a frightening night into a manageable one. This guide walks through what to do before a storm arrives, how to stay safe while it rages, how to cope if the power goes out, and how to deal with the damage once the wind has dropped.

Understanding Met Office storm warnings

The Met Office names storms expected to cause significant disruption, working through an alphabetical list each season. Alongside the name, it issues colour-coded warnings that tell you how seriously to take the forecast. A yellow warning means be aware and plan ahead; disruption is possible. An amber warning means be prepared, as there is an increased likelihood of damage, travel delays and power cuts. A red warning is rare and serious: dangerous conditions are expected, there is a risk to life, and you should avoid travel and follow the advice of the emergency services.

Sign up for warnings through the Met Office website or app so alerts reach you directly, and keep an eye on updates as the forecast can change quickly. Knowing the difference between the warning levels helps you judge whether to simply secure a few loose items or to cancel plans entirely and stay at home.

Preparing your home before the storm

Start outside. High winds turn loose objects into missiles, so bring in or tie down anything that could blow away: garden furniture, parasols, bins, plant pots, children's toys and barbecues. Trampolines are a particular hazard and have been thrown into neighbouring gardens and roads; either anchor yours firmly with proper kits or flip and weigh it down. Check that fence panels, shed doors, gates and greenhouse glass are secure, and move cars away from trees and fences where you can.

Turn to the house itself. Close and latch windows and doors, and check that roof tiles, aerials and satellite dishes look sound, without climbing up in worsening weather. Clear gutters and drains so heavy rain can flow away rather than pooling. Keep a torch and spare batteries somewhere easy to find, and know where your fuse box and main water stopcock are located in case you need them.

Building your storm supplies

Assemble a small kit before you need it. Useful items include a wind-up or battery torch and lantern, a charged power bank for phones, a battery or wind-up radio to follow updates if the internet drops, bottled water, easy food that needs no cooking, and any regular medication. Warm layers, blankets and hand warmers matter if the heating fails, and a first aid kit is always worth having. Keep important documents and emergency contact numbers together, and make sure your mobile is fully charged before the storm reaches its peak.

Staying safe indoors during the storm

Once the wind is at its strongest, the safest place is indoors and away from windows. Flying debris and broken glass cause many storm injuries, so stay clear of large panes and consider keeping curtains or blinds closed to contain any shattering. Do not go outside to secure loose items during the peak; it is not worth the risk of being struck. Resist the urge to drive to the coast or clifftops to watch dramatic waves, as people are regularly swept away or hit by debris. If part of your home is damaged, move to a safer room and wait for conditions to ease before investigating.

Coping with a power cut

Storms frequently bring down power lines, and outages can last hours. If your electricity goes off, call 105 free of charge from a landline or mobile. This single number connects you to your local network operator, lets you report the cut and get updates, and works across England, Scotland and Wales. Only call 999 if there is danger to life, such as sparking equipment, a fire or a fallen line near people.

While the power is out, use torches and battery lanterns rather than candles where possible, as candles are a fire risk in a busy household. Keep fridge and freezer doors closed to preserve food, and unplug sensitive electronics to protect them from a surge when supply returns. A charged power bank keeps a phone alive for emergency calls, and a battery radio keeps you informed. Never run a petrol or diesel generator indoors or in an attached garage because of the deadly risk of carbon monoxide.

Fallen power lines and outdoor hazards

Treat every fallen or low-hanging power line as live and dangerous. Never touch a downed line or anything in contact with it, and keep well back, at least the width of a road, taking special care with children and pets. Water and metal fences can carry current, so stay clear of these too. Report the line by calling 105, or dial 999 if someone is in immediate danger. Watch also for damaged trees, loose masonry and debris when you first go outside, as hazards are not always obvious.

After the storm: damage, insurance and neighbours

When the wind has genuinely dropped, inspect your property carefully but keep your distance from any structure that looks unstable, such as leaning walls, loosened chimney stacks or hanging tiles. Do not attempt roof repairs in poor conditions or without the right equipment; use a reputable tradesperson for anything beyond simple clearing. Photograph any damage before you tidy up, as this evidence helps with claims.

Contact your home insurer as soon as you can to report damage and ask about emergency repairs, keeping receipts for any urgent work needed to make the property safe. Report blocked roads, fallen trees on public land or damaged street furniture to your local council. Check on elderly or vulnerable neighbours who may be without power, heating or a working phone, and offer a hot drink, a charged torch or simply company until services are restored.

Travel and getting around

Storms disrupt roads, railways, ferries and flights, and warnings often advise against travel for good reason. If you can delay a journey until conditions improve, do so. Where travel is unavoidable, check for road closures, train cancellations and speed restrictions before setting off, allow far more time than usual, and take particular care on exposed routes, bridges and high-sided-vehicle roads. Watch for fallen branches, surface water and debris, keep your fuel or charge topped up, and tell someone your route and expected arrival time.

What to do when a storm is forecast

As soon as a named storm or wind warning appears, run through a simple checklist. Sign up for or check Met Office alerts and note the warning colour. Secure or bring in everything loose outside, paying attention to trampolines and garden furniture. Charge phones and power banks, ready your torch, lantern and battery radio, and gather water, food, medication and warm layers. Save 105 for power cuts and remember 999 for emergencies. Then plan to stay indoors and away from windows during the peak, avoid the coast, and check on neighbours once it is safe. A short burst of preparation now makes the storm itself far easier to weather.