Strong winds and heavy rain can cause disruption across the Channel Islands, particularly during the autumn and winter months. While we can’t control the weather, a few simple precautions before conditions deteriorate can help reduce the risk of damage to your home and belongings.
Most importantly, keep yourself safe and follow advice and warnings from local authorities and weather services.
- Secure outdoor furniture and loose items: Strong winds can move garden furniture, bins, plant pots and other loose items, potentially causing damage to your home, vehicles or neighbouring properties. If bad weather is forecast, secure loose items or move them somewhere sheltered before conditions deteriorate.
- Clear leaves and debris from drains: Fallen leaves and other debris can quickly block drains and gullies, particularly during autumn. Before heavy rain arrives, check that drains around your property are clear to help reduce the risk of water pooling.
- Check fences, gates and garden structures: Strong winds can put additional pressure on fences, gates, sheds and other outdoor structures. Check for loose panels, damaged posts or anything that may be particularly vulnerable, and arrange repairs where it is safe and practical to do so.
- Check windows and doors: Make sure windows, doors and shutters are properly closed and secured before strong winds and heavy rain arrive. Inside your home, consider moving valuable or easily damaged belongings away from windows and make sure you know where your stopcock and fuse box are located.
- Park vehicles carefully: If high winds are forecast, think carefully about where you leave your vehicle. Where possible, avoid parking close to trees, walls or other structures that may be affected by strong winds, and avoid exposed coastal areas where appropriate.
- If your property is damaged: Once it is safe to do so, take photographs or videos of any damage before clearing up, where possible. If temporary repairs are needed to prevent further damage, only carry these out when it is safe to do so, and keep receipts for emergency work or essential purchases.
If you need to make an insurance claim, visit our claims page first to check the best way to report it. Depending on your policy and insurer, you may be able to report your claim online and, where eligible, use our fast-track claims service.
If you need urgent assistance because your home is uninhabitable, unsafe or insecure, please contact us by telephone.
A few simple steps can make a difference.
Preparing for stormy weather doesn’t need to be complicated. Taking a little time to secure your property, clear drains and check for potential problems before the weather arrives can help reduce the risk of disruption or damage.