There are several things you can do to protect your house and prevent damage in case of a storm. Here are a few things you can do to help:
Home Maintenance
- Regularly check your roof
Maintaining your roof can help prevent damage caused by severe weather. Check your roof for loose or missing tiles, and have them repaired or replaced as soon as possible. Make sure gutters are clear of debris so water doesn’t accumulate on the roof. This can help prevent storm damage and ingress of water.
- Trim trees and bushes
Trimming them regularly can help prevent branches from falling onto your roof or windows during a storm. If you think a tree is unstable you might want to consider having it removed - falling trees can cause significant damage to your or your neighbours' property.
- Have your chimney inspected
During storms, poorly maintained chimneys can get damaged, causing leaks or structural damage to your or your neighbour’s home. Regular maintenance will keep them in good working order and clear of debris.
Securing Your Home
- Secure loose objects in your garden
Loose objects in your garden, such as garden furniture, tools, and toys, can become dangerous projectiles during a storm, so it’s a good idea to check that all loose objects are securely stored away or tied down.
- Secure windows and doors
Before a storm, you might want to check that your windows and doors won’t leak. During a storm, they should be properly latched and closed to avoid any water getting in.
- Check fences and gates
Before a storm, it’s a good idea to fix your fence if there are any loose panels or if it feels wobbly. During a storm, check that your gate is secured. Loose gates can get damaged swinging back and forth, and could also damage your home or neighbour’s property.
Keep up to date with weather warnings
Checking the Met Office website for updates on any severe weather warnings in your area can help give you time to prepare.
Next steps
If you do need to make a claim for storm damage, all the information you need about your cover and to make a claim on your policy is in your policy documents that you can access through your online account.
If you have an Urban Jungle Contents, Buildings & Contents or Buildings Only policy, you can also make a claim online through the My Account section of our website (it’s worth noting that if your property is unsafe, or you think you may need alternative accommodation, you’ll need to call the claims handlers directly to submit your claim). You can find the relevant phone number in the “How to Make a Claim” section of your policy document.