Staying calm after the storm: What to do about storm damage

There have been a fair few storms this year, with some of the most severe causing serious storm damage to homes and property. A storm is unpredictable, and until it’s over, you won’t know what you’re dealing with.

Storm damage comes in many forms, causing a lot of stress to families. As you get over the initial shock, you can get to work on repairing the damage and get your home back in order. Have a look at some of the ways you can assess and address the damage and find the calm after the storm.

Assess your damage

Once the storm has cleared, and it’s safe, you can start assessing damage to your home. Some of the most commonly affected areas include garden fences, roofs, windows and doors. Minor damage like broken garden furniture can be taken care of easily, but more significant damage will need further assessment by experts.

Consult your insurers

If your home requires some major repairs, then you should contact your insurers to make a claim. This can ease a lot of the stress that comes with dealing with storm damage, as they will likely take care of the repairs on your behalf. When claiming for storm damage, it’s important to be as detailed and organised as possible. Make detailed notes, keep track of costs and take plenty of photos. Your claim will be assessed by a loss adjuster before being passed onto the underwriter to decide if your claim is accepted or not.

Take care of the initial clean-up

You may need to wait for some of the repairs to be carried out, especially if you’re dealing with significant damage. However, for the minor damage, you can get to work straight away to clean it up. Clear any broken glass and debris and try to restore some semblance of order. You may find things look a lot less severe once you’ve cleared away some of the initial mess.

Bring in some help

The worst storm damage will likely need some professional help to repair. Leaks, damage to your garden and roof repair require experienced expert hands to ensure they’re repaired properly and prevent further damage. These works can take some time to be commenced and completed. This could mean you may need to move to temporary, alternative accommodation if the repairs are going to cause some inconvenience in your home – like a loss of water, for example. Depending on your policy, your insurance company could arrange this for you.

Avoid attempting to fix major damage yourself, you could injure yourself or make things worse. Dealing with storm damage can be frustrating, especially if you’re concerned about the financial cost of your repairs. But assessing the damage immediately and taking action can help you get things taken care of more swiftly, so you can get back to normality. Preparing your home against future storms could help you avoid further damage to your home, helping you feel more confident the next time there’s a severe weather warning.

[disclosure*]

How to prepare yourself and your home for stormy weather

The arrival this week of Storm Darragh has proven that stormy weather can be unpredictable and often comes with a range of hazards, from heavy rain and strong winds to power outages and flooding. Being prepared can help you protect your home, ensure your safety and minimise damage. Here’s a useful and comprehensive guide to help you and your home weather the storm.

1. Stay informed

Monitor weather forecasts Stay updated with local weather reports and alerts. Use reliable sources such as the Met Office, local news channels and weather apps.
Sign up for alerts Register for emergency notifications in your area. These can be sent via text, email or through dedicated apps.
Plan an evacuation route If you live in an area prone to severe stormy weather, know the evacuation routes and have a plan in place. Practice the route with your family.

2. Secure your home

Inspect your roof Check for loose or damaged shingles and repair them. Ensure that gutters and downpipes are clear and functioning properly.
Trim trees and shrubs Remove dead or weak branches that could fall during strong winds. Trim trees to prevent them from damaging your property.
Secure outdoor items Bring in or secure outdoor furniture, decorations and other loose items that could become projectiles in high winds.
Reinforce windows and doors Install storm shutters or use plywood to cover windows. Ensure that doors, especially garage doors, are securely closed and locked.
Check the drainage system Ensure that your home’s drainage system is clear and functioning to prevent flooding.

3. Prepare an emergency kit

Essential supplies Include items like water, non-perishable food, flashlights, batteries, first aid kits and medications.
Important documents Gather and store important documents such as insurance policies, identification and medical records in a waterproof container.
Communication devices Have a charged mobile phone, a portable charger and a battery-powered radio.
Warm clothing and blankets In case of power outages, keep warm clothing and blankets readily available.

4. Protect your home’s interior

Turn off utilities If advised by local authorities, turn off gas, water and electricity to prevent accidents.
Unplug electronics Unplug sensitive electronic devices to protect them from power surges.
Secure furniture Move heavy furniture away from windows to prevent damage from broken glass.
Waterproof valuables Place important belongings in plastic bags or containers to protect them from water damage.

5. Prepare Your Family

Communicate your plan Make sure all family members know the emergency plan, including where to go, what to do and who to contact.
Special needs Consider the needs of pets, elderly family members and those with disabilities. Ensure they have the necessary supplies and assistance.
Emergency contacts Compile a list of emergency contacts, including family, friends, neighbours and local emergency services.

6. During the storm

Stay indoors Avoid going outside during the storm. If you must go outside, wear appropriate protective clothing and be cautious of downed power lines and debris.
Stay informed Continue to monitor weather updates and follow any instructions from local authorities.
Use battery-powered devices If there’s a power outage, use battery-powered devices to stay informed and avoid carbon monoxide poisoning from generators.
Stay calm Keep a calm and reassuring demeanour to help manage stress and anxiety, especially for children and pets.

7. After the storm

Assess damage Once it is safe, carefully assess your home and property for any damage. Take photos for insurance claims.
Check utilities Inspect your gas, water and electrical systems for leaks or damage. If you detect any issues, contact the appropriate utility company.
Clean up Remove debris and fallen branches from your property. Be cautious of sharp objects and slippery surfaces.
Seek assistance: If you need help, contact local authorities or disaster relief organisations. They can provide resources and support.

8. Long-term preparedness

Regular maintenance Conduct regular maintenance on your home to ensure it is in good condition before the storm season.
Insurance review Review your insurance policy to ensure it covers storm damage. Understand your coverage and deductibles.
Emergency drills Practice emergency drills with your family to ensure everyone knows what to do when a storm hits.
Financial preparedness Set aside an emergency fund to cover unexpected expenses related to storm damage and recovery.

Conclusion

Preparing for stormy weather is a crucial step in ensuring the safety and well-being of you and your family. By staying informed, securing your home and having an emergency plan in place, you can reduce the risks and manage the aftermath more effectively. Remember, safety comes first, and a little preparation can go a long way in protecting your home and loved ones.

Putting Britain on the map

We’ll certainly have no excuses if our knowledge of home isn’t up to scratch any more. We recently made a bulk purchase of about 20 large vintage school wall maps. Produced by G W Bacon in the 1950s, many feature the British Isles – and cover every aspect of its geography – towns, roads, railways, population density, industries, geology, rivers, relief, contours, isotherms, isobars and rainfall.

It’s been very enjoyable sorting through them. They’re 60 years old – so slightly out-of-date in some respects, but no less interesting. It’s often the differences between ‘then & now’ found on these old maps & globes that are fascinating. The ‘traditional industry’ map illustrates this perfectly. If you click on each image you can view them in greater detail.

In addition to their educational value, these vintage maps are also very decorative in terms of graphic design and colour. They look great in a library, study or office space. We’ve hung a row of them along a long hallway. We’re going to keep a few and sell a few of this particular batch. Some have gone into our antiques centre space and we’ve also listed 3 or 4 on eBay this week.

H is for Home Harbinger

Tag: climate