Preparing for bad weather
Sometimes bad weather can be nothing more than a nuisance, but sometimes, like the recent storms, it can have a real impact on your day-to-day life. We never really know when a storm is going to hit, so it’s important to be prepared with a small emergency kit. Make sure to keep your kit somewhere away from the ground floor in case of flooding!
- Torches and spare batteries:
This week, we saw that the bad weather took out the power in hundreds of homes. We all know how inconvenient this can be, even if it’s just for an hour or so. Wind-up torches are great as they don’t require batteries, and if you already have a battery-operated torch, make sure you know where it is and that you’ve got the right-size batteries stored close by. - Power banks and chargers
A mobile phone can be a lifeline when the power is out, but what if it’s dead? Make sure to have a charged, portable power bank that you can use in emergencies. And if people in your home have different types of phones, don’t forget to check that it’s compatible with all of them! - First aid kit
These are useful all the time, but especially if you’re fumbling around in the dark! Make sure you have a well-stocked first aid kit with plasters, bandages, and antiseptic creams. It’s also good to keep a list of any medications and health conditions with it—just in case. - Water
We’ve seen during some recent storms that the water in some areas becomes unsafe to drink for a few hours. Make sure you have a litre or two of water stored—it doesn’t have to be expensive bottled water; you can just store tap water in a clean, food-safe bottle for emergencies. You might also want to keep some food on hand that doesn't expire quickly and doesn't need cooking, like nuts and crackers. - Rope
This one might seem a little weird, but when the wind whips up, you need to make sure your outdoor furniture, kids' garden playsets, and anything else that’s loose in your garden can be safely secured down. - Contents insurance
If the worst does happen and weather damages your home or belongings, it's important your home is insured. We insure the bricks and mortar, but insuring your belongings is your responsibility. There are lots of options for insurers, you can find some information on our website.
For more information on staying stay in bad weather, we've got lots of great advice on our website.
Do you have any tips for preparing for bad weather? Let us know on the hubb forum.