As Storm Bert approaches, bringing heavy rain, strong winds, and disruptive snow, it’s vital to prepare your home to minimise potential damage. Here are some practical steps to keep your property and family safe:
Secure Your Home
- Inspect your roof: Check for loose or missing tiles and secure them to prevent leaks or damage from strong winds or heavy snow.
- Clear gutters and drains: Remove leaves and debris to prevent blockages and reduce the risk of flooding.
- Secure outdoor furniture and items: Tie down or bring in garden furniture, plant pots, bins, and other loose objects that could be picked up by the wind.
- Trim trees and shrubs: Cut back overhanging branches that could fall and damage your property or a neighbour’s during the storm.
- Reinforce weak spots: Check for cracks or loose fittings in doors and windows, and seal any gaps to prevent wind, snow, or water from coming in.
Prepare for Snowfall
- Insulate pipes: Prevent them from freezing and bursting by wrapping them in insulation.
- Clear snow regularly: If safe to do so, clear snow from driveways, walkways, and around the property to reduce ice build-up.
- Check your heating: Ensure your boiler is working efficiently and bleed radiators to maximise warmth.
- Stock grit or salt: Keep supplies to make pathways safer for walking and reduce slipping hazards.
Prepare for Power Outages
- Charge devices: Fully charge mobile phones, power banks, and other essential electronics.
- Have torches ready: Keep torches and spare batteries to hand – avoid candles to reduce fire risks.
- Stock up on essentials: Ensure you have non-perishable food, bottled water, and a first-aid kit.
Prevent Flood Damage
- Use sandbags: Place them at vulnerable doorways and entry points to help keep water out.
- Move valuables upstairs: Move irreplaceable items or electronics to higher levels of your home.
- Install flood guards: If you live in a flood-prone area, consider installing barriers on doors and air bricks.
With these precautions, you can reduce the risk of storm damage and protect what matters most. Stay safe this week as Storm Bert brings its mix of extreme weather to many areas of the UK.
Check Your Home Insurance
Review your home insurance policy to ensure you have sufficient cover in place against storm damage, including snow, wind, and flooding. If you have any concerns or queries on your insurance cover please don’t hesitate to speak to us.
You can contact any of the team on:
Home Insurance: 03330 111998 or email PLExisting@jameshallam.co.uk.
HNW Home Insurance: 0203 002 9859 or email pcl@jameshallam.co.uk.