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Be ready

Storms

Storms can disrupt power, internet and phone networks, bring down trees and flood infrastructure. Named storms are the ones most likely to bring the biggest impacts.

Before

  1. Check the forecast and act on any National Severe Weather Warning for your area; the Met Office app can alert you. GOV.UK Be Ready: storms
  2. Warnings are yellow, amber or red, from a combination of how likely the impacts are and how bad they could be. Met Office: weather warnings guide
  3. Charge phones, power banks and any back-up batteries for medical equipment in case the power goes. GOV.UK Be Ready: storms
  4. Secure loose objects: ladders, trampolines, garden furniture, toys, anything that could be blown around in high winds. GOV.UK Be Ready: storms
  5. Close and fasten doors and windows, especially on the side facing the wind and large garage doors; bolt loft trapdoors. Met Office: stay safe in a storm
  6. Park in a garage if you have one, otherwise clear of buildings, trees, walls and fences. Met Office: stay safe in a storm
  7. If a chimney stack is tall and in poor condition, move beds away from the area below it. Met Office: stay safe in a storm
  8. Know who your power provider is and how to contact them; read the power cut checklist. GOV.UK Be Ready: storms
  9. Limit travel, allow extra time, and follow any 'do not travel' notice. GOV.UK Be Ready: storms

During

  1. Try not to go outside unless absolutely necessary. If you do, don't walk or shelter close to buildings, fences, walls or trees. GOV.UK Be Ready: storms
  2. Don't go outside to repair damage while the storm is on. Met Office: stay safe in a storm
  3. Use doors on the sheltered side, and open internal doors only as needed, closing them behind you. Met Office: stay safe in a storm
  4. Keep well away from fallen or damaged power lines: high voltages can jump gaps without warning. GOV.UK Be Ready: storms

After

  1. Don't touch electrical or telephone cables that are down or hanging, and keep clear of walls, buildings and trees that may be weakened. Met Office: stay safe in a storm
  2. Check that neighbours or relatives who might need help are safe, and help them arrange repairs. Met Office: stay safe in a storm

Kit for this

Best-value eBay listings for the items this checklist mentions, by class. Prices checked 4 Nov, 22:54 UTC.

Torchesfrom £5 · 19 buys at the last checkHead torchesfrom £5.15 · 31 buys at the last checkPower banksfrom £8.49 · 12 buys at the last checkRadiosfrom £8.29 · 15 buys at the last checkLanternsfrom £5.18 · 19 buys at the last checkFirst aid kitsfrom £3.09 · 23 buys at the last check

Information, not advice. Every line links to the official source it comes from; follow that source and the instructions of the emergency services first.