Severe gales

Make sure you know what to do

Before the storm

• 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.

During the storm

• Stay indoors as much as possible.
• If you do go out, try not to walk or shelter close to buildings and trees.
• Keep away from the sheltered side of boundary walls and fences — if these structures fail, they will collapse on this 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.
• Take care when driving on exposed routes such as bridges, or high open roads, delay your journey or find alternative routes if possible.
• Slow down and be aware of side winds, particular care should be taken if you are towing or are a high sided vehicle.
• Do not drive unless your journey is really necessary.

After the storm

• Be careful not to touch any electrical/telephone cables that have been blown down or are still hanging.
• Do not walk too close to walls, buildings and trees as they could have been weakened.
• Make sure that any vulnerable neighbours or relatives are safe and help them make arrangements for any repairs.

Reproduced by permission of the Building Research Establishment