Storm Eunice: Prepare Your Property

As the UK begins it’s recovery after the impact of Storm Dudley, preparations begin for Storm Eunice- the next weather front to hit the country, bringing winds of up to 100 mph. Met Office Chief Meteorologist Frank Saunders has warned that “significant disruption is possible” from Storm Eunice “with strong winds one of the main themes of the current forecast”. The Met office has also warned people to “stay indoors” and work from home where possible.

Storm Eunice will follow shortly after Storm Dudley, and will bring strong winds to southern and central areas, as well as some snow for northern areas on Friday 18th February. There is also a possibility that Storm Eunice will cause more wet and windy conditions over the weekend.

The Met office has warned that much of the UK will be impacted by the storm, however Mr Saunders reported that “Storm Eunice is expected to track eastwards from early on Friday, bringing the most significant winds to the central and southern areas of the UK, with some gusts possible in excess of 95 mph in exposed coastal areas”. Not only will there by strong winds, but there is also a significant risk of “coastal flooding to parts of the west, southwest and south coast of England, as well as the tidal River Severn, in the early hours of Friday morning” as stated by the Environmental Agency.

Unfortunately, it is not only the South of the country who will be impacted, but also the North as heavy rain and possible snowfalls are expected from the Midlands northwards. The MET Office has said that blizzard conditions could be expected where snow falls.

As the storm is expected to bring winds of up to 90 mph, the MET Office has warned that people should be prepared for fallen trees, damage to buildings and travel disruption.

The strong winds are likely to blow away garden furniture. Make sure to put away any items that are not secured to the ground to reduce the risk of them blowing away.

If you live in a coastal area, be prepared for flooding. Move your car to high ground if possible and move chemicals or fuel from your garage to ensure they do not spill into the floodwater.

Have your MPRN number to hand and make sure you know how to work the trip switches and fuse boxes in your house. Know how to turn off your water supply and make sure that all phones and devices are fully charged in case of an emergency.

Your emergency kit should include everything you need should you have to flee your property. This includes water, food, a torch, clothing, radio, first-aid, a phone and important documents.

Permanent storm shutters offer the best protection. Another option is to board up with 5/8” marine plywood, cut to fit and ready to install. Many people believe that duct tape is a good solution but this does not prevent windows from breaking!

An insurer and/or their loss adjuster may be quick to turn down your storm damage property insurance claim. If you are trying to handle your own claim and do not have experience negotiating with a loss adjuster, you may feel you simply have to accept their decision to deny your claim. This doesn’t have to be the case.

By appointing an expert loss assessor, you can have someone on your side throughout your claim. If that can be a free service through Property Claim Assist, it makes sense to explore it. Having an insurance and property repair expert in your corner is a way to level the playing field. The insurer has their representative in the shape of the loss adjuster, who is paid by the insurer and, therefore, not impartial, so why shouldn’t you too have representation?

If Eunice, or any other storm, involving wind, rain, hail or snow, leaves your property damaged, we are just a call away. Having us in your corner could make all the difference to your claim and yet cost you nothing, if we also handle your repairs. Just call us on 0333 577 2720.