Winter is here and with it comes the many storms that batter our shores in the UK. One of the big problems with storms that we get over the winter months is the strong winds that they bring with them, and it is important to be aware of the dangers of windy weather as we head into the winter and what you can do to protect yourself and your home.
Wind in the UK is rarely strong enough to cause widespread damage, like the sort that we see in areas where hurricanes are commonplace, but strong winds can cause damage and destruction. The great storm of 1987 is something that many will remember, and it caused a lot of destruction along the south coast of the country, pulling trees up by their roots and causing power cuts due to blowing down power lines.
This winter we have already seen storm Ciarán batter the Channel Islands and the south coast of the UK once again, and it highlights why we need to take care when winds are stronger than normal. Here are some of the things that you can do to keep safe…
Stay up to Date with Weather Warnings – It is true that as a nation we love to discuss the weather, and staying up to date with what is going on can save your life! Always be aware of weather warnings in your area, and make sure that you follow the advice that you are given.
Secure your Home – High winds can cause significant damage to property, so now is the time to check that you don’t have anything that could cause problems when it gets blowy. Use pipe protectors like this meterbox.co.uk/pipe-protectors to secure your drainpipes, check that your roof is in good repair and get nearby trees around your home checked by a tree surgeon.
Take Care when you Travel – Travelling can also be dangerous when winds are strong. Some routes could be shut off such as bridges, and you could be at risk of flying debris when winds are strong. If there are travel warnings in place, make sure that you pay attention and only travel if it is essential to do so. You should also make sure that your vehicle is in good repair, so that you are less likely to have a problem with it.