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| How to stay safe in Storm Éowyn and what to do in a power cut | |
| (about 1 hour later) | |
| Scotland, along with NI, has experienced some of the worst of the storm | |
| Storm Éowyn unleashed severe gales across several parts of the UK on Friday morning. | |
| Weather warnings are in place and forecasters say more buildings could be damaged, travel is likely to be affected and power cuts are possible. | |
| Red warnings, the most severe category used by the Met Office, have been issued for Northern Ireland and part of Scotland. | |
| Red warnings for millions as Storm Éowyn batters UK | |
| Danger to life warnings from 'once in a generation' storm | |
| What should you do during a storm? | |
| People are advised to stay inside as much as possible and keep internal doors closed. | |
| This is particularly important in areas that have been issued a red warning where gales of up to 100mph (161km/h) are possible - it means flying debris could cause a danger to life. | |
| 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 to your property or possessions while a storm is in progress. | |
| The RSPCA advises bringing all animals inside, external 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. | |
| Met Office: Stay safe in a storm, external | |
| What are my rights if my home, travel and work are affected by storms? | |
| What to do if there is a power cut? | |
| If you lose electricity you should switch off all non-essential appliances but leave a light on so you know when the supply returns. | |
| You can report a power cut online, external or by calling 105, which is a free service in England, Scotland and Wales. | |
| Can you drive during weather warnings? | |
| Do not drive unless your journey is unavoidable, and steer clear of flooded or exposed routes such as bridges or high open roads, external. | |
| 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 phone. | |
| Drive slowly, and be especially cautious around high-sided vehicles and when overtaking. Give other vehicles extra room. | |
| Driving during a weather warning, including a red category one, does not automatically invalidate your car insurance but it may make a claim more difficult. | |
| An insurer might try to prove negligence, such as driving on a road when advised not to, and refuse the claim. | |
| How to drive in snow and icy weather | |
| Check the UK weather warnings in place | |
| A road in east Belfast blocked by a tree that fell during Storm Éowyn | |
| What can you do to protect your home? | |
| 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 tools | Securing loose objects outside a property such as bins, ladders, trampolines and outdoor games, garden furniture and tools |
| Checking fences and roof tiles are secure | Checking fences and roof tiles are secure |
| Clearing guttering of debris such as moss and leaves | Clearing guttering of debris such as moss and leaves |
| Closing and fastening external doors and windows | Closing and fastening external doors and windows |
| Securing storm shutters, if they are fitted to your home or business | |
| Parking vehicles in a garage, if you have one; otherwise ensuring they are as far away as possible from buildings, trees and fences | Parking vehicles in a garage, if you have one; otherwise ensuring they are as far away as possible from buildings, trees and fences |
| Closing and securing loft trapdoors | Closing and securing loft trapdoors |
| Making sure you know how to turn off your gas, electricity and water in case you have to leave your home, for example because of flooding | Making sure you know how to turn off your gas, electricity and water in case you have to leave your home, for example because of flooding |
| Charging mobile phones and any other critical devices including battery packs | Charging mobile phones and any other critical devices including battery packs |
| If you are in a flood-risk area, external, try to move valuable or essential items upstairs or store them as high as you can on the ground floor. | If you are in a flood-risk area, external, try to move valuable or essential items upstairs or store them as high as you can on the ground floor. |
| In you are trapped by floodwater, you should go to the highest level of the building you are in. | |
| Avoid attic spaces due to the risk of being trapped by rising water, and only go onto the roof if absolutely necessary. Call 999 and wait for help. | |
| What should you do after a storm? | What should you do after a storm? |
| Most home building, contents and commercial business policies cover storm damage. | |
| If you have suffered damage to your property or possessions you should: | |
| Not do anything that puts you or your household at risk | Not do anything that puts you or your household at risk |
| Be especially careful around any exposed electrical or telephone cables | Be especially careful around any exposed electrical or telephone cables |
| Only return to your home or business after a storm when it is safe to do so | Only return to your home or business after a storm when it is safe to do so |
| Contact your insurance company as soon as possible: most have 24-hour emergency helplines, which can advise on next steps and arrange repairs | Contact your insurance company as soon as possible: most have 24-hour emergency helplines, which can advise on next steps and arrange repairs |
| If necessary, arrange temporary emergency repairs to stop any damage getting worse. Tell your insurer and keep receipts, as this will form part of your claim | If necessary, arrange temporary emergency repairs to stop any damage getting worse. Tell your insurer and keep receipts, as this will form part of your claim |
| Unless they are dangerous, don't throw away damaged items without discussing it with your insurer, in case they can be repaired | Unless they are dangerous, don't throw away damaged items without discussing it with your insurer, in case they can be repaired |
| Remember 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 | Remember 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 |
| A common misconception is that homeowners are responsible for the fences on the left of their property. | |
| There is no general rule about which fence belongs to whom so homeowners should check their title deeds to see which boundaries they own. | |
| ABI: Advice for homes and businesses ahead of Storm Éowyn, external | |
| ABI: Advice on insurance and making preparation for a storm, external | |
| Get in touch | Get in touch |
| How are you preparing for Storm Éowyn? | How are you preparing for Storm Éowyn? |