Storms and Severe Weather

Weather Warnings are issued by the Meteorological Office in advance of extreme weather such as heavy rainfall, gale force winds, snow, or heatwaves. This information is made public through news channels on the radio and TV.

The Met Office have launched an email service enabling the public to sign up to and receive weather warnings.

• Met Office Email Alert Service website

Before an Emergency

Secure loose objects such as ladders, garden furniture or anything else that could be blown into windows and other glazing and break them.

Close and securely fasten doors and windows, particularly those on the windward side of the house, and especially large doors such as those on garages.

Park vehicles in a garage, if available; otherwise keep them clear of buildings, trees, walls and fences.

Close and secure loft trapdoors with bolts, particularly if roof pitch is less than 30°.

If the house is fitted with storm shutters over the windows then ensure that these are closed and fastened.

If chimney stacks are tall and in poor condition, move beds away from areas directly below them.

Check on vulnerable neighbours.

During an Emergency

Bring pets inside.

Stay indoors as much as possible.

Check your neighbours are aware of any warnings, especially if they are elderly or vulnerable.

If you do go out, try not to walk or shelter close to buildings and trees and keep away from the sheltered side of boundary walls and fences — if these structures fail, they will collapse on this sheltered side.

Do not go outside to repair damage while the storm is in progress.

If possible, enter and leave your house through doors in the sheltered side, closing them behind you.

Open internal doors only as needed, and close them behind you.

Do not drive unless your journey is really necessary. If you need to drive somewhere, take extra care when driving on exposed routes such as bridges, or high open roads, slow down and delay your journey or find alternative routes if possible.