How to protect your home in heavy rain and high winds

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How to protect your home in heavy rain and high winds

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Storm Éowyn is threatening to unleash severe gales across parts of the *** on Friday.

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and forecasters say buildings could be damaged, travel is likely to be affected and power cuts are possible.

What should you do to prepare before a storm hits?

There are a number of steps you can take to protect your property.

These include:

Securing loose objects outside a property such as bins, ladders, trampolines and outdoor games, garden furniture and toolsChecking fences and roof tiles are secureClearing guttering of debris such as moss and leavesClosing and fastening external doors and windowsSecuring storm shutters, if they are fittedParking vehicles in a garage, if you have one; otherwise ensuring they are as far away as possible from buildings, trees and fencesClosing and securing loft trapdoorsMaking sure you know how to turn off your gas, electricity and water in case you have to leave your home, for example because of floodingCharging mobile phones and any other critical devices including battery packs

If you are in

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, try to move valuable or essential items upstairs or store them as high as you can on the ground floor.

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It is important to secure any free-standing items in gardens such as trampolines

Make sure sure you have emergency contact numbers for your insurance company, local authority and utility companies.

You may also want to gather passports, driving licences and insurance policies and a few days’ supply of any regular medication you take.

Consider adding emergency contacts and medical information to your mobile – often called “ICE” or “Medical ID” on smartphones.

The RSPCA advises

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, and ensuring you have sufficient food, bedding and fresh water.

Listen out for bad weather warnings on local radio and TV, and check government and news websites for the latest updates.

What should you do during a storm?

During a storm, people are advised to stay inside as much as possible and keep internal doors closed.

If you do have to go out you should avoid walking next to buildings, trees and the sheltered side of walls or fences, in case of collapse.

You should not attempt to repair any damage while a storm is in progress.

If you have a power cut, switch off all non-essential electrical appliances but leave a light on so you know when the power comes back on. You can

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or by calling 105, which is a free service in England, Scotland and Wales.

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If you are trapped by floodwater, you should go to the highest level of the building you are in. Avoid attic spaces because of the risk of being trapped by rising water, and only go onto the roof if absolutely necessary. Call 999 and wait for help.

Do not drive unless your journey is unavoidable, and

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.

If you have to drive, make sure you have essential supplies such as warm clothing, food, drink, blankets and a torch, and carry a fully-charged mobile.

Drive slowly, and be especially cautious around high-sided vehicles and when overtaking. Give other vehicles extra room.

What should you do after a storm?

Most home buildings, contents and commercial business policies cover storm damage.

Comprehensive motor insurance covers the cost of repairing or replacing vehicles.

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If you have suffered storm damage to your property or possessions you should:

Not do anything that puts you or your household at riskBe especially careful around any exposed electrical or telephone cablesOnly return to your home or business after a storm when it is safe to do soContact your insurance company as soon as possible: most have 24-hour emergency helplines, which can advise on next steps and arrange repairsIf necessary, arrange temporary emergency repairs to stop any damage getting worse. Tell your insurer and keep receipts, as this will form part of your claimUnless they are dangerous, don’t throw away damaged items without discussing it with your insurer, in case they can be repairedRemember it can take weeks or even months for a property to fully dry out after storm damage, so you may need to wait some time before redecorating

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