Every autumn and winter, named storms bring strong winds, heavy rain and power cuts to parts of the UK. Most of the disruption is short-lived, but the households that cope best are the ones that spent half an hour getting ready the day before. Here's how.
Understand the warning
The Met Office issues weather warnings in three colours:
- Yellow: some disruption is possible. Keep an eye on the forecast and your plans.
- Amber: disruption is more likely, such as travel delays, power cuts and possible danger to life. Time to get ready.
- Red: dangerous weather is expected. Take action to keep yourself and others safe, and avoid travelling if you can.
For the most serious situations, the government can also send an Emergency Alert straight to mobile phones in the affected area. If you get one, read it and follow the instructions.
The day before: around the house
- Tie down or bring in anything the wind could throw: garden furniture, trampolines, bins, plant pots.
- Close and lock windows and doors, including garage and shed doors.
- Park away from trees and walls if you can.
- Charge everything: phones, power banks, rechargeable torches and laptops.
- Find your torches and check the batteries, before it gets dark.
- Fill the freezer gaps with bottles of water. A full freezer stays frozen for longer if the power goes.
- Know where your stopcock and fuse box are, and how to turn off your gas, electricity and water.
- Check on neighbours who might need help, and agree how you'll keep in touch.
Have a 3-day kit ready
The government's Be Ready campaign asks every household to be able to manage for 3 days without help. For a storm, the most useful things are:
- Light: a head torch and a room light. Torches are safer than candles.
- Power: a charged power bank for phones.
- News: a wind-up or battery FM radio, in case mobile signal and internet go down.
- Warmth: blankets, warm layers, thermal socks and hand warmers.
- Food and water: 3 litres of drinking water per person per day, plus food that needs no cooking.
- Cash: card machines and cash points may not work in a power cut.
- Paper copies of key phone numbers.
If you have to drive
Avoid travelling during amber and red warnings if you can. If you must go, keep a winter car kit in the boot:
- Torch and a phone charger or power bank
- Warm clothes, a blanket or an emergency bivvy bag
- A high-visibility vest
- Jump leads
- Snacks and drinks
- A shovel if snow is forecast
Fill up with fuel before the storm arrives. Petrol stations may lose power too.
During the storm
- Stay indoors and away from windows if you can.
- Don't go outside to fix damage while the wind is still strong.
- Never touch fallen power lines. Keep well away and call 105.
- Never walk or drive through floodwater. Just 30cm of moving water can float a car.
- Listen to local radio for updates.
If the power goes
Call 105 (or 03457 643643 in Northern Ireland) to report it and get updates. Keep fridge and freezer doors closed, and don't use barbecues, camping stoves or outdoor heaters indoors because of the risk of carbon monoxide. Our guide on what to do in a power cut covers the rest.
If flooding is possible
Check your flood risk and sign up for free flood warnings for your area. In England, Wales and Scotland, you can call Floodline on 0345 988 1188. Move valuables and important documents upstairs, and keep a grab bag ready in case you're asked to leave.
After the storm
- Check your home for damage when it's safe to go outside, and take photos for your insurer.
- Look in on neighbours.
- Restock anything you used from your kit, and recharge your torches and power banks.
Tick everything off with our free Be Ready checklist, or get light, power, warmth and a grab bag in one order with the Hunker Down Mega Bundle. Order well before storm season, as delivery takes 6 to 13 working days.
Sources: UK Government Be Ready, Met Office. Hunker Bunker isn't affiliated with the UK government or the Met Office.