Life Hack: How to prepare your home if there's a storm or weather warning

Here are some things to check off your list in the event of extreme weather

Pack away any loose outdoor items such as furniture, pots and bins, plus Christmas decorations in winter, bringing what you can indoors, either into your home or — if you have one — in a shed or garage. This will prevent them from getting loose in high winds and causing damage either to your property or that of a neighbour

Last week, Storm Bram made itself known with weather warnings for wind and rain across the country. Thousands of homes and businesses were left without electricity. When we have advance warning of weather events like this, there are steps we can take to batten down the hatches and prepare both our homes and ourselves for whatever may be in store.

Pre-storm checklist 

Having a storm kit ready to go in an easily-reachable place will be a huge help. For this, pack essential items such as bottled water, ready-to-eat food in case of power outages, spare batteries for a torch, toiletries, a fully stocked first aid kit, as well as any necessary medication like inhalers, insulin, etc. For parents, baby supplies such as baby food, formula, boiled water, nappies, and wipes are crucial, while 'pet parents' will want a supply of pet food.

For pet owners, make sure any four-legged friends are safely indoors before the bad weather hits — if you wouldn't sit out in it, why should your dog? Electrical storms in particular can be frightening for pets so keeping calm will reassure them and allow you to better deal with any situation.

Pack away any loose outdoor items such as furniture, pots and bins, plus Christmas decorations in winter, bringing what you can indoors, either into your home or — if you have one — in a shed or garage. This will prevent them from getting loose in high winds and causing damage either to your property or that of a neighbour.

Check your roof for loose tiles that may come detached in high winds; and secure gates and shed doors. 

While you are outside, make sure you park the car far from trees if possible. This will help to prevent debris from falling on your vehicle, causing expensive damage.

Back indoors, unplug all non-essential electrical devices to avoid damage from potential power surges and make sure you know where to turn off your gas, electricity, and water supplies.

Close all your windows and doors, both internal and external, to prevent any damage and, if the weather seems particularly wild, close your curtains to help protect against any breaking glass.

If you're bracing for a cold snap, turn your heating on — not only will it keep you warm and comfortable but it will help prevent frozen pipes.

Save emergency numbers for the ESB, etc to your phone or keep them written down. Have your MPRN and GPRN numbers readily available too. If you are dependent on electricity for medical reasons, contact your provider and they will register you as a customer with medical needs and notify ESB Networks.

During a storm 

If you see damage outside while a storm is ongoing, never try to repair it until after the storm has passed. If you can make temporary repairs, you should do what you can to prevent further damage only if it is safe to do so.

Keep fully-charged power banks and batteries to hand to charge essential devices in the case of a power outage. Mobile devices and battery-powered lights and torches can provide a strong light source during a blackout — but some insurers, including Allianz, advise against using candles as a light source, as when left unattended, they can cause a fire. 

If you lose power, keep fridge and freezer doors closed to help prevent food from spoiling.

In the unlikely event that you need to evacuate your home, turn off your gas, water, and electricity before you leave (if it’s safe to do so).

You should also prepare a storm kit with all the essentials you might need.

Post-storm checks 

Once a storm has passed, your first priority is to make sure you and everyone around you is safe. Check for hazards such as fallen power lines or unstable structures near or around your home.

If there is damage to your home, document any damage that will be relevant for an insurance claim, if relevant, with clear photos and videos as soon as it is safe.

Report any fallen wires to ESB Networks on 1800 372 999