Gale-force winds are the most common cause of damage to property in the United Kingdom. The majority of damage reports come from domestic dwellings and you should be aware of the risks in order to minimise damage to buildings. Storms with high winds can produce devastating consequences, bringing about £300 million in damages throughout the United Kingdom each year. Stop and ask yourself if you have the right new build insurance?
Met Office Wind Warnings
The United Kingdom’s National Weather Service, the Met Office, provides up-to-date weather advices and warns the public of severe or hazardous weather through its National Severe Weather Warning Service. Warnings are given a colour (Green, Yellow, Amber or Red) based on the combination of both the likelihood of the severe weather event occurring and the impact the weather conditions may have. Make sure you check your local weather forecast to find out whether the Met Office has released any warnings for your area. You can also find the latest warnings at www.metoffice.gov.uk.
The Met Office provides the following examples of what to expect during severe gales and high winds:
Very Low Threat (Green):
- Debris dislodged and some branches removed
- Perhaps some very limited travel disruption
- Difficulties on certain routes, such as cross winds on exposed or high-level roads
Low Threat (Yellow)
- Possible debris being blown around
- Some branches or trees may be brought down
- Some localised travel disruption
- Problems for high-sided vehicles on certain routes (drive with care)
Medium Threat (Amber)
- Some travel disruption, such as closed bridges
- More widespread tree damage and other debris dislodged from roofs
- Some minor structural damage possible
- Risk of injury from flying debris
High Threat (Red)
- Widespread structural damage, such as roofs blown off, mobile homes overturned and power lines brought down
- Risk to personal safety from flying debris
- Potentially widespread and prolonged interruptions to power
- Widespread transport disruption due to roads blocked by fallen trees and debris
If the Met Office issues a warning for severe gales and high winds in your location, make sure you are prepared. Use the following tips and hints to help ensure your safety if high winds are prevalent.
Before the Storm
- Make sure you have the right new build insurance
- Make plans to secure your property. Secure or bring in any loose objects, such as ladders, waste bins, equipment or anything else that could be blown away or into windows and glass.
- Close and securely fasten doors and windows, particularly those on the windward side of the house, and especially large doors such as those on garages.
- Learn the elevation level of your property and whether the land is flood-prone. This will help you know how your property will be affected if a storm surge or tidal flooding is forecasted.
- Be sure trees and shrubs around your property are well-trimmed so they are more wind resistant.
- Install a generator for emergencies.
After the Storm
- Report the claim directly to QBE on 0845 609 4649.
- Take photos of the damage to provide to your loss adjustor.
- Get estimates to repair the damage. Ideally more than one.