How to prepare for a storm

Stormy weather can be unsettling, particularly if you're worried about staying safe at home or getting the support you need. Strong winds, heavy rain and thunderstorms can cause damage to homes and gardens, make travelling more difficult and sometimes lead to power cuts.

This page explains how to prepare for a storm, what to do during severe weather and what to do after. It also covers power cut preparation, lightning safety, protecting your home from storm damage and what to do if your home is damaged.

Where can I find out if a storm is coming?

One of the most important parts of storm preparation is knowing when severe weather is expected.

Check the weather forecast regularly, particularly if severe weather is expected in your area. The Met Office provides weather forecasts and severe weather warnings for the UK. You can check its website or app and set up alerts for your area.

The UK Government's Prepare website also provides information about storms, power cuts and other emergencies.

If you find it difficult to get information online, ask a family member, friend or neighbour to help you keep up to date. Local radio and television can also provide weather and emergency information.

Weather warnings can change, so keep checking for updates as the storm approaches.

How can I prepare for a storm?

Knowing how to prepare for a storm in advance can make it easier to stay safe and cope with disruption.

If severe weather is forecast, try to prepare before the storm arrives. You may not be able to do everything, so focus on the things that are most important for you and your household.

Create an emergency storm plan

Think about what you would need if you had to stay at home unexpectedly for several days, or if essential services were disrupted.

Write down important telephone numbers and keep them somewhere you can easily find them. These could include:
• family members, friends or neighbours
• your care provider
• your energy supplier or electricity network operator
• your water company
• your phone or broadband provider
• your insurer.

Keep a list of any regular medicines you take and make sure you have enough.

If you receive regular care visits or have medical appointments, check whether these could be affected by severe weather.

Think about how you would get help if you were unable to leave your home. If you have mobility difficulties, use medical equipment or live alone, make arrangements before severe weather arrives.

Prepare for a power cut

Storms can damage electricity cables and other equipment, causing power cuts. Preparing for a power cut is an important part of storm preparation.

Keep the following somewhere easy to find:
• A torch and spare batteries.
• A charged mobile phone.
• A portable power bank.
• Bottled drinking water.
• Food that doesn't need cooking, like bread, cereal bars or fruit.
• Any medicines you need.
• A battery-powered or wind-up radio.
• Spare batteries or back-up power for essential medical equipment.

In England, Scotland and Wales, you can call 105 for free to report a power cut and get information and advice from your local electricity network operator. In Northern Ireland, call 034 5764 3643.

If you rely on electricity for medical equipment, make a plan with your healthcare team, care provider or equipment supplier. Make sure you know what to do if the electricity goes off and who to contact. Remember to always check your medical equipment for any damage and to contact your care provider if there are any concerns before using.

You may also be able to join your energy supplier or network operator's Priority Services Register. This is a free service for people who may need extra support during a power cut or other interruption to their energy supply.

Protect your home from storm damage

Knowing how to prepare your home for a storm can help reduce the risk of damage.

Before strong winds arrive:
• close and securely fasten windows and doors
• bring garden furniture, plant pots and other loose objects indoors or secure them
safely
• secure bins and their lids
• secure or store garden equipment
• make sure shed doors and gates are securely closed
• if possible, park your car away from trees, walls, fences and buildings.

If you're worried about the condition of your roof, chimney, trees or other parts of your property, consider arranging any necessary work before severe weather is expected.

Don't put yourself at risk trying to secure something that is difficult or dangerous to reach. If you need help with practical jobs around your home, your local Age UK may offer a handyperson service. Find out about Age UK's handyperson services.

If flooding is also expected, see our information on preparing for flooding.

What should I do during a storm?

The safest thing to do during severe weather is usually to stay indoors and keep checking weather and emergency updates. If you're advised to leave your home, follow instructions from the emergency services or local authorities.

Stay safe at home during a storm

Try to stay indoors while winds are strongest. Keep away from windows and don't go outside to repair damage while the storm is in progress.

If you do need to go outside, keep away from:
• trees
• buildings
• walls and fences
• lose objects
• damaged structures
• fallen or damaged electricity cables. Don't shelter under trees.

What should I do during a lightning storm?

Lightning can be dangerous even when the heaviest rain is some distance away.

In the event of lightning:
• stay indoors and avoid unnecessary contact with electrical equipment and wired connections
• keep away from trees and other exposed structures if you're outside
• if you're outside and hear thunder, find a safe enclosed shelter such as a building or fully enclosed vehicle
• avoid open areas, high ground and bodies of water
• don't go outside simply to watch the storm.

Is it safe to drive or stay in your car during a storm?

Driving during a storm can be hazardous. If possible, avoid travelling during severe storms.

If you need to drive:
• Check for road closures and travel updates.
• Allow extra time.
• Slow down and take particular care in strong winds.
• Take extra care on exposed roads and bridges, where side winds can affect your vehicle.
• Give cyclists, motorcyclists, pedestrians, buses, lorries and other high-sided vehicles plenty of space.
• If conditions become dangerous, pull over somewhere safe and wait for conditions to improve.
• Pack a blanket, water and food in case you need to stop or break down.

What should I do if the power goes out?

Storms can cause power outages when strong winds, falling trees or other damage affect electricity infrastructure.

If the electricity goes off:
• In England, Scotland and Wales, call 105 for free to report the power cut and get updates.
• Use torches rather than candles where possible.
• Switch off appliances such as cookers, irons and electric fires.
• Keep your fridge and freezer doors closed as much as possible.
• Keep warm with extra layers and blankets if your heating is affected.
• Use a battery-powered or wind-up radio for updates if your television or internet isn't working.
• Keep your mobile phone for essential calls and messages to preserve its battery.
• Keep away from fallen or damaged electricity cables.

If you have a digital landline, remember that it normally needs mains electricity to work. If you rely on your landline to make emergency calls and don't have a reliable mobile phone or signal, contact your phone provider to discuss what back-up arrangements are available.

If you have a telecare alarm or personal alarm connected through your phone or broadband service, check with your provider what will happen during a power cut or loss of service.

What should I do after a storm?

Before going outside, check the latest advice and make sure it’s safe to leave your home.

Check your home for storm damage

Look for signs of storm damage, such as:
• damaged or missing roof tiles
• broken windows
• damaged fences, gates or sheds
• fallen trees or branches
• damaged gutters
• water entering your home
• structural damage to walls, chimneys or other parts of the building.

Be particularly careful around trees, walls, fences and buildings that may have been weakened by the storm and never touch fallen or damaged electricity cables.

What should I do if my home has been damaged?

If it’s safe to do so:
• Take photographs or videos of the damage.
• Contact your insurer as soon as possible.
• Keep records of repairs and other expenses.
• Keep damaged items where possible until your insurer tells you what to do.
• Arrange temporary repairs only when necessary to prevent further damage, and only if it’s safe to do so.

If you’re renting your home, contact your landlord or housing provider as soon as possible.

Insurance and storm damage claims

Buildings and contents insurance can provide cover for storm damage, but exactly what's covered depends on your policy. Buildings insurance generally covers the structure of your home, while contents insurance covers possessions inside your home.

If you need to make a storm damage insurance claim:
1. Check your policy and find your insurer's claims or emergency helpline.
2. Contact your insurer as soon as possible.
3. Take photographs or videos of the damage if it’s safe to do so.
4. Keep receipts for temporary repairs and other reasonable expenses.
5. Follow your insurer's instructions about repairs and damaged items.

If temporary repairs are needed to stop the damage getting worse, speak to your insurer first if you can.

If your home is unsafe or can’t be lived in, ask your insurer what help may be available under your policy, including alternative accommodation.

If you can't stay in your home, you may also be able to apply to your local council as homeless. People who are homeless due to emergencies are usually considered to be in priority need, which means the council may have a duty to provide emergency accommodation and other housing support.

Storm preparation checklist

Use this checklist when a storm or period of severe weather is forecast.

Before a storm

• Check the weather forecast and severe weather warnings.
• Charge your mobile phone and any back-up batteries needed for essential equipment.
• Check that you have medicines and other essential supplies including food and bottled water.
• Put a torch somewhere accessible.
• Secure garden furniture, bins, plant pots and close windows and doors.

During a storm

• Stay indoors where possible and keep away from windows.
• Follow updates from the Met Office, local authorities and emergency services.
• If driving, slow down and take extra care on exposed roads.

After a storm

• Stay away from fallen or damaged electricity cables and be careful around damaged trees, walls, fences and buildings.
• Check your home for storm damage from a safe position and take photographs of damage if it is safe to do so.
• Contact your insurer if you need to make a claim.
• Keep receipts for emergency repairs and other expenses.
• Don't attempt dangerous repairs yourself.