How to prepare your property for Storm Agnes: Top Safety Tips
Storm Agnes is coming.
With the area of low-pressure officially dubbed Storm Agnes by the Met Office set to hit much of the UK this week, here’s everything you need to know and how to prepare to prevent potential damages.
What can we expect from Storm Agnes?
The Met Office warns that:
“Storm Agnes will move into western areas of the UK and Ireland on Wednesday, with the strongest winds most likely on Irish Sea coasts, though it will be a widely windy day across the UK.”
Rain
To be more precise, we can expect around 60mm of rain in some areas of Scotland and heavy rain across the UK.
As Agnes moves north towards the end of the week, rain will move south in heavy bursts on Thursday and Friday across England and Wales.
Wind
A yellow weather warning for wind has also been issued across the UK on Wednesday and Thursday, with only the southeast of England currently except.
Inland areas can expect a high likelihood of wind gusts around 50 to 60mph, while exposed areas like coastland may see gusts ranging from 65-80mph.
This may cause transport disruption, with some roads and bridges closing.
Preventing Potential Property Damage
The wind warning may pose a risk to buildings, as well as the possibility of power cuts for some.
Wind is the most common form of damage and disruption in the UK, with 184 recorded deaths from wind-related building failures between 1962 and 1995.
Here are our top tips for storm preparation:
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Secure Loose Objects
Secure all loose objects such as ladders, outdoor furniture, or anything that could be blown into windows and cause damage.
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Fasten Doors and Windows
Close and securely fasten all doors and windows, like those for a garage.
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Gas, Electric and Water Supply
Remind yourself how to turn off your gas, electric and water supplies. You may need to do this in a pinch, and it’s best to be prepared.
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Check all Gutters are Clear
Check all of your gutters and drain pipes are clear to avoid blockages.
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Unplug Electronics
Unplug all non-essential electrical appliances.
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Have an Evacuation Plan
Have an evacuation plan ready in case of an emergency.
What if Storm Agnes damages your property?
If your property is the victim of damage during Storm Agnes, ServiceMaster Restore will be there to aid in the aftermath and restoration.
To learn more about our services, find your nearest ServiceMaster Restore business today or call 0845 762 6828 in an emergency.
