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How to stay safe during Storm Herminia and what to do in a power cut | |
(about 16 hours later) | |
Storm Herminia comes just days after Storm Éowyn caused significant damage and dispruption | |
Storm Herminia has brought more strong winds and heavy rain just days after Storm Éowyn battered parts of the UK and Republic of Ireland. | |
The Met Office said that Éowyn was one of the most exceptional storms of the decade - with 100mph (160km/h) winds recorded in Scotland. | |
It warned that stormy weather is likely to continue for the rest of the winter. | |
What should you do during a storm? | What should you do during a storm? |
Strong winds can cause damage to buildings, such as tiles coming off roofs, and heavy rain can lead to flooding. Public transport may be disrupted. | |
People are advised to stay inside as much as possible and keep internal doors closed. | 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. | 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. | 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. | 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. | Listen out for bad weather warnings on local radio and TV, and check government and news websites for the latest updates. |
In you become 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. | |
Met Office: Stay safe in a storm, external | Met Office: Stay safe in a storm, external |
What are my rights if my home, travel and work are affected by storms? | What are my rights if my home, travel and work are affected by storms? |
What should you 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. | 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. | You can report a power cut online, external or by calling 105, which is a free service in England, Scotland and Wales. |
Alternatively, you can find the details of your energy network operator by using this postcode search tool, external. | Alternatively, you can find the details of your energy network operator by using this postcode search tool, external. |
It may put you on a priority list for assistance if you have medical equipment in your home that needs electricity. | |
If you can smell gas and suspect there is a leak in your home, you can report it by ringing 0800 111 999. | If you can smell gas and suspect there is a leak in your home, you can report it by ringing 0800 111 999. |
Can you drive during weather warnings? | Can you drive during weather warnings? |
Do not drive unless your journey is unavoidable. You should steer clear of flooded or exposed routes such as bridges or high open roads, external. | |
If you do 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. | Drive slowly, and be especially cautious around high-sided vehicles and when overtaking. Give other vehicles extra room. |
Driving during a weather warning - including the most serious category, red - 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. | 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 | How to drive in snow and icy weather |
Check the UK weather warnings in place | Check the UK weather warnings in place |
A road in east Belfast blocked by a tree that fell during Storm Éowyn | A road in east Belfast blocked by a tree that fell during Storm Éowyn |
How can you prepare and protect your home before a storm hits? | |
There are a number of steps you can take: | |
secure any loose objects outside your property such as bins, ladders, trampolines and outdoor games, garden furniture and tools | |
check fences and roof tiles are secure | |
clear guttering of debris such as moss and leaves | |
close and fasten external doors and windows | |
secure storm shutters, if they are fitted to your home or business | |
park vehicles in a garage, if you have one; otherwise ensure they are as far away as possible from buildings, trees and fences | |
close and secure loft trapdoors | |
make 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 | |
charge mobile phones and any other critical devices including battery packs | |
gather essential documents such as passports and driving licences, and make sure you have contact and policy details for your insurance company | |
if you take medication, make sure you have a few days' supply | |
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. |
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. | Most home building, contents and commercial business policies cover storm damage. |
If you have suffered damage to your property or possessions you should: | If you have suffered damage to your property or possessions you should: |
not do anything that puts you or your household at risk | |
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 | |
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 | |
unless they are dangerous, don't throw away damaged items without discussing it with your insurer, in case they can be repaired | |
There is a common misconception that homeowners are responsible for the fences on the left of their property. | |
In fact there is no general rule about which fence belongs to whom, so homeowners should check their title deeds to see which boundaries they own. | |
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. |