At Everywhen, we’re here to help you protect your everyday – whatever the weather.
With storms becoming more and more frequent (and unpredictable), it’s never been more important to plan ahead.
Whether you’re up against flooding, plummeting temperatures or high winds, we’re by your side with practical advice to help you stay safe and minimise disruption to your home and business this winter.
Preparing for storms: general advice
Here’s some guidance on how to prepare for any kind of storm:
Sign up for alerts from the Met Office so that you’re always in the know
If possible, stay indoors and avoid unnecessary travel
Create an emergency kit with essentials like a charged phone and battery pack, food, water, medication, first aid kit, blankets, warm clothes, torches, etc
How to prepare for floods
Flooding is becoming a lot more common in the UK due to climate change[1]. In fact, more than one in six properties in England are at risk of flooding[2] making 5.7 million in total.[3]
Few people expect their property to flood, but planning ahead can make all the difference when it comes to protecting both your home and your business.
Top tips on preparing for flood:
Sign up for the UK government’s flood warnings and keep an eye on local news
Invest in flood protection like barriers and air brick covers and check if your local authority provides sandbags or if you’ll need to buy your own
If it’s safe, turn off utilities (gas, electricity and water) but never touch switches while standing in water
Clear gutters to prevent blocked drains
Ensure your loved ones and pets are taken to a safe place
Protect your belongings by moving valuables, furniture and stock to higher ground
Relocate vehicles to safer areas if possible
How to prepare for freezing temperatures
Did you know that on Wednesday 8 January 2025, the UK faced its coldest night in 15 years? Temperatures dropped in Altnaharra, in the Scottish Highlands, to a bitter -18.9 degrees Celsius.[4]
When the cold snaps strike, it’s not just a matter of putting on another layer – it can cause serious damage to homes and businesses, especially if pipes freeze and burst.
Top tips on preparing for cold temperatures:
Try to improve your home’s energy efficiency by draught-proofing your doors and windows and insulating your walls and roof
Weatherproof your property with radiator and pipe insulation, thick curtains and draught excluders for your doors and letterbox
Keep heating on frost-protection at minimum to prevent frozen pipes
Use fans and open cabinet doors to circulate warm air around pipes
Clear gutters to avoid icy build-up and slip hazards
Disconnect garden hoses from outdoor taps and insulate outdoor tap
Grit paths to reduce the risk of slips and falls
How to prepare for high winds
High winds are one of the most common causes of storm damage in the UK[5]. It disrupts travel, damages homes and vehicles, and wreaks havoc by causing power outages.
In October 2025, Storm Amy left 65,000 homes and businesses in Northern Ireland without power, causing widespread disruption.[6] Scotland also got its share of the storm’s high winds: yachts were blown against rocks in Argyll, a shopfront sign was blown down in Inverness, and a caravan was flattened by a tree in Kinloss. [7]
Top tips on preparing for high winds:
Check your roof for loose tiles or leaks and secure aerials and gutters which may break off
Park vehicles safely, ideally in a garage or away from trees, fences, walls and buildings
Trim tree branches that could fall and cause damage to your property or belongings
Secure any loose outdoor items like bins and garden furniture
Inspect fences and sheds for loose panels that could damage yours or your neighbour’s property or person
Lock all doors and windows, including outbuildings
What to do after a storm
Once the storm has passed, safety comes first. Here are a few top tips for what to do following a storm:
Avoid flood water due to currents and other hidden hazards, such as contamination and the possibility of live cables
Take photos of any damaged items and high-water levels – if possible, write the date on each wall and include this in the photo too
Keep damaged items and make a list of everything affected
Approach buildings with caution, as structural damage isn’t always visible
Assess nearby trees for any damage and reach out to your local authority if required
Don’t attempt repairs during the storm. If you’ve had to call in professionals for emergency repairs, ask for itemised quotes and invoices
Document everything, including the condition of your property and any actions taken
Never use gas or electricity in a flooded property until it’s been checked by a qualified expert
What to do if you have to drive in a storm
If there is a storm enroute, the best thing you can do is stay inside. Travelling in a storm can be very dangerous and it’s not worth the risk. If you absolutely need to travel, please take extra care and follow the steps to reduce the risk where you can:
Check road closures and forecasts via local news
Plan for delays by filling up with fuel ahead of your journey
Check all windscreen wipers and replace them with new ones if needed
For older vehicles, consider upgrading to aero wipers for better visibility
Check tyre tread and pressure to ensure safe grip on the roads
Clean any snow or ice from windows, lights and number plates
Top up antifreeze, radiator water, screen wash and oil levels
Pack your emergency car kit that we discussed earlier along with car essentials like a scraper, de-icer, shovel, a map and jump cables
What if you need to make a claim due to storm damage?
If your property is damaged due to a storm, contact your insurer immediately, who will be able to advise you on the next steps.
We recommend that you:
Only carry out emergency repairs and make sure to keep all invoices
Take photos of the damage and any emergency repairs that are carried out
Get two quotes from local tradespeople with a breakdown of costs on headed paper
We’re here for every storm
At Everywhen, we understand just how disruptive bad weather can be. That’s why we offer a range of insurance products designed to protect different aspects of your life whether that’s your home, business, caravan, car, boat or something else – so that you can focus on what matters most.
We’re proud to stand by your side, offering effortless service and support, whatever the forecast may be.
Sources
[1] Climate change drives increase in storm rainfall - Met Office
[2] Flooding in the UK: Past, present, and future | Morgan Clark
[3] Flooding in the UK: Past, present, and future | Morgan Clark
[4] Temperature drops to -18.9C in UK's coldest night for 15 years | ITV News
[6] Storm Amy: Power to be restored to all properties in Northern Ireland - BBC News
[7] Widespread damage as Storm Amy 'hit harder' than expected - BBC News
Consistent with our policy when giving comment and advice on a non-specific basis, we cannot assume legal responsibility for the accuracy of any particular statement. In the case of specific problems, we recommend that professional advice be sought.