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Getty Images<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/figure>\nThe Met Office has issued multiple warnings for thunderstorms covering southern England, Wales and southern Scotland. <\/p>\n
Some areas may see torrential downpours of 30-50 mm of rain, which could lead to flash flooding. <\/p>\n
Hail, lightning and gusty winds could also cause problems in parts of the country.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n
How can you prepare and protect your home before a storm hits?<\/h2>\n<\/p>\n\nThere are a number of steps you can take: <\/p>\n
\n- secure any loose objects outside your property such as bins, ladders, trampolines and outdoor games, garden furniture and tools<\/li>\n
- check fences and roof tiles are secure<\/li>\n
- clear guttering of debris such as moss and leaves<\/li>\n
- if possible, remove any loose or overhanging branches<\/li>\n
- close and fasten external doors and windows<\/li>\n
- secure storm shutters, if they are fitted to your home or business<\/li>\n
- park vehicles in a garage, if you have one; otherwise ensure they are as far away as possible from buildings, trees and fences<\/li>\n
- close and secure loft trapdoors<\/li>\n
- make sure you know how to turn off your gas, electricity and water in case you have to leave your home, for example because of flooding<\/li>\n
- charge mobile phones and any other critical devices including battery packs<\/li>\n
- gather essential documents such as passports and driving licences, and make sure you have contact and policy details for your insurance company<\/li>\n
- if you take medication, make sure you have a few days’ supply <\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
If you are in a flood-risk area<\/a>, try to move valuable or essential items upstairs or store them as high as you can on the ground floor.<\/p>\n<\/div>\nWhat should you do during a storm?<\/h2>\n<\/p>\n\nStrong winds can cause damage to buildings, such as tiles coming off roofs, and heavy rain can lead to flooding. Public transport may be disrupted. <\/p>\n
People are advised to stay inside as much as possible and keep internal doors closed. <\/p>\n
Unplug any non-essential electrical items in case of power surges. <\/p>\n
If you do have to go out, you should avoid walking next to buildings, trees and the sheltered side of walls or fences, in case of collapse.<\/p>\n
You should not attempt to repair any damage to your property or possessions while a storm is in progress. <\/p>\n
The RSPCA advises bringing all animals inside<\/a> and ensuring you have sufficient food, bedding and fresh water. <\/p>\nListen out for bad weather warnings on local radio and TV, and check government and news websites for the latest updates.<\/p>\n
In you become trapped by floodwater, you should go to the highest level of the building you are in. <\/p>\n
Avoid attic spaces due to the risk of being trapped by rising water, and only go onto the roof if absolutely necessary. Call 999 and wait for help.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n
What should you do if there is a power cut?<\/h2>\n<\/p>\n\nIf you lose electricity you make sure all non-essential appliances are switched off, but leave a light on so you know when the supply returns. <\/p>\n
You can report a power cut online<\/a> or by calling 105, which is a free service in England, Scotland and Wales.<\/p>\n
There are a number of steps you can take: <\/p>\n
- \n
- secure any loose objects outside your property such as bins, ladders, trampolines and outdoor games, garden furniture and tools<\/li>\n
- check fences and roof tiles are secure<\/li>\n
- clear guttering of debris such as moss and leaves<\/li>\n
- if possible, remove any loose or overhanging branches<\/li>\n
- close and fasten external doors and windows<\/li>\n
- secure storm shutters, if they are fitted to your home or business<\/li>\n
- park vehicles in a garage, if you have one; otherwise ensure they are as far away as possible from buildings, trees and fences<\/li>\n
- close and secure loft trapdoors<\/li>\n
- make sure you know how to turn off your gas, electricity and water in case you have to leave your home, for example because of flooding<\/li>\n
- charge mobile phones and any other critical devices including battery packs<\/li>\n
- gather essential documents such as passports and driving licences, and make sure you have contact and policy details for your insurance company<\/li>\n
- if you take medication, make sure you have a few days’ supply <\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
If you are in a flood-risk area<\/a>, try to move valuable or essential items upstairs or store them as high as you can on the ground floor.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n
What should you do during a storm?<\/h2>\n<\/p>\n
\nStrong winds can cause damage to buildings, such as tiles coming off roofs, and heavy rain can lead to flooding. Public transport may be disrupted. <\/p>\n
People are advised to stay inside as much as possible and keep internal doors closed. <\/p>\n
Unplug any non-essential electrical items in case of power surges. <\/p>\n
If you do have to go out, you should avoid walking next to buildings, trees and the sheltered side of walls or fences, in case of collapse.<\/p>\n
You should not attempt to repair any damage to your property or possessions while a storm is in progress. <\/p>\n
The RSPCA advises bringing all animals inside<\/a> and ensuring you have sufficient food, bedding and fresh water. <\/p>\n
Listen out for bad weather warnings on local radio and TV, and check government and news websites for the latest updates.<\/p>\n
In you become trapped by floodwater, you should go to the highest level of the building you are in. <\/p>\n
Avoid attic spaces due to the risk of being trapped by rising water, and only go onto the roof if absolutely necessary. Call 999 and wait for help.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n
What should you do if there is a power cut?<\/h2>\n<\/p>\n
\nIf you lose electricity you make sure all non-essential appliances are switched off, but leave a light on so you know when the supply returns. <\/p>\n
You can report a power cut online<\/a> or by calling 105, which is a free service in England, Scotland and Wales.<\/p>\n
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