Storm Babet: Weather Warning

If you experience any damage to your property please contact us on our usual number 0300 323 0990. This number can be used outside normal office hours if the damage makes your home insecure, for example

• Broken windows or damaged door/door locks.
• Where there is danger to life and limb
• Where repair is necessary to prevent further damage, for example flooding, burst pipes or serious roof leaks.
• Where there is a complete loss of heat or power supply to your home, excluding area wide power cuts.

DISRUPTION TO SERVICES

There is a risk of disruption to water and power due to the adverse weather conditions, please ensure you know how to report a power cut to your energy provider, or report loss of water to Scottish Water.

Priority services register

If you meet any of the following criteria you should be on the priority services register, which provides extra advice and support, including when there’s an interruption to your electricity, gas or water supply.
More information can be found here.

• Are deaf or hard of hearing
• Have a disability
• Live with children under five
• Are blind or partially sighted
• Have a chronic illness
• Use medical equipment/aids reliant on electricity
• Are over 60.

• Fast flowing or deep floodwater is likely, causing danger to life
• Delays and some cancellations to train and bus services are likely
• Spray and flooding probably leading to difficult driving conditions and some road closures
• A good chance some communities will be cut off by flooded roads
• Homes and businesses are likely to be flooded, causing damage to some buildings
• Power cuts and loss of other services to some homes and businesses likely

Wind

• There is a chance that some roads and bridges could close, leading to longer journey times, together with possible cancellations to bus, rail, air and ferry services
• There is a chance that power cuts may occur, with the potential to affect other services, such as mobile phone coverage
• There is a small chance that injuries could occur due to either flying debris inland, or due to large waves around coasts
• There is a slight chance of some damage to buildings, such as tiles blown from roofs

STAYING SAFE

Staying safe in flooding

It’s never too late to take action and prepare for flooding. Follow these 6 simple steps to protect your home or business:

1. Check the flood advice in your area to know when and where flooding will happen
2. Charge mobile phone devices
3. Park your car outside the flood zone
4. Prepare a flood kit to help you cope in the event of flooding to your home and business
5. Store valuables up high, including electrical devices, important documents and furniture
6. Turn off gas water and electricity supplies

If you are trapped in a building by floodwater, follow these simple instructions to keep you and your family safe:

• Go to the highest level in the building you are in
• Do not go into attic spaces to avoid being trapped by rising water
• Only go to a roof if necessary
• Call 999 and wait for help

More about what to do in a flood

Staying safe when you’re near the coast

If you live or work on the coast take extra care during windy and stormy weather. Keep yourself and others safe by following these simple steps:

• Check the forecasts and tides in your local area here
• Beware of large waves, even from the shore large breaking waves can sweep you off your feet and out to sea
• Take care if walking near cliffs – know your route and keep dogs on a lead
• In an emergency 999 (UK) or 112 (Ireland) and ask for the Coastguard

Avoiding injury if you’re out and about

Being outside in high winds makes you more vulnerable to injury. Stay indoors as much as possible. If you do go out, try not to walk or shelter close to buildings and trees.

Driving safely in strong wind

Driving in these conditions can be dangerous, for yourself and other road users. If you must drive, you can do this more safely by:

• Driving slowly to minimise the impact of wind gusts
• Be aware of high sided vehicles/caravans on more exposed roads
• Be cautious overtaking high sided vehicles/caravans
• Make sure you hold the steering wheel firmly
• Give cyclists, motorcyclists, lorries and buses more room than usual

More about travelling in storms, rain and heavy wind

Driving safely in heavy rain

It is safer not to drive in these conditions but if you must drive you can do this more safely by:

• Slowing down
• Using main roads
• Using dipped headlights
• Giving yourself more time to react on slippery surfaces
• Keeping a bigger gap between vehicles

More about driving in severe weather

Flood water

It is not safe to drive or walk or swim through floodwater, avoid it where possible and if you are affected by fast flowing or deep water call 999 and wait for help.

PROTECTING YOUR PROPERTY AND PEOPLE

Flooding

Follow this three-point plan to check and be prepared:

1. Check if your property is at risk.

If you are at risk, take the next two steps to protect your property when you need to:

2. Prepare a flood plan
3. Prepare an emergency flood kit

High winds

Don’t risk injury to others or damage to your property. Check for loose items outside your home and plan how you could secure them in high winds.
Items include:

• bins
• plant pots
• garden furniture (bring inside or secure in place)
• trampolines (turn upside down or secure with tent pegs)
• sheds (ensure doors are locked)

THINKING ABOUT YOUR NEIGHBOURS

Help to protect the vulnerable people that you know, including older people, those with underlying conditions and those who live alone: they may need support with food and medical supplies.

If you are worried about your health or that of somebody you know, ring NHS 111.

Be prepared for weather warnings to change quickly. When a weather warning is issued, stay up to date with the weather in your area.

*This content is taken directly from the Met Office Weather Warnings page.