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Home Storm Protection Guide

Securing your home, garden, and outdoor furniture against storm damage is crucial, especially in areas prone to severe weather. Utilising storm protection products can significantly reduce the risk of damage. Below is a useful checklist and guide to help you prepare:

Home Storm Protection Checklist

  1. Inspect and Reinforce Windows and Doors
    • Ensure all windows and doors are properly sealed.
    • Consider installing storm shutters or impact-resistant windows for added protection.
  2. Secure Roofing and Gutters
    • Check for loose shingles or tiles and repair them promptly.
    • Clear gutters and downspouts to prevent water buildup.
  3. Anchor Outdoor Structures
    • Use ground anchors or tie-down kits to secure sheds, gazebos, and other structures.
    • Ensure that these structures are in good repair and can withstand high winds.
  4. Secure Wheelie Bins
    • Wheelie bins are especially vulnerable to getting swept away by strong winds. They can easily damage cars and guttering before toppling over emptying their contents to create further problems.
    • Ideally they should be stored out of the wind or in a fenced off area however this is not practical for many properties. Because of this we stock a Wheelie Bin Tethering Kit containing an anchor point, eye bolts and chain to ensure they stay firmly in place.

    Garden Storm Protection Checklist

    1. Trim Trees and Shrubs
      • Remove dead or weak branches that could fall during a storm.
      • Regularly maintain trees to promote strong growth.
    2. Check Gates
      • Often one of the first things to work their way loose. Add a bolt if possible because a traditional latch can often be overwhelmed by strong winds.
    3. Secure Garden Equipment
      • Store tools, pots, and other loose items in a shed or garage.
      • Use storage boxes with secure lids for smaller items.
    4. Protect Plants
      • Stake young or fragile plants to provide support against strong winds.
      • Use protective coverings for delicate plants if necessary.
    5. Remember Pots and Urns
      • Plant in pots will act like sails and topple over often damaging them. Put them out of the wind in sheltered areas
      • Large urns with trees or shrubs should be secured with rope.

    Outdoor Furniture Storm Protection Checklist

    1. Anchor Furniture
      • Use heavy-duty rope or chain to secure furniture to the ground or a sturdy structure.
      • Consider using sandbags or weights for additional stability.
    2. Store or Cover Furniture
      • If possible, move furniture into a shed, storage box or indoors when a weather warning is issued.
      • Use waterproof covers to protect furniture left outside. Ensure the covers are tied and if possible anchored to the ground or a wall.
    3. Secure Umbrellas and Awnings
      • Retract awnings and ensure they are securely fastened.
      • Close and secure umbrellas; remove and store them if possible. At the very least lay them down flat against a wall or fence.

    Rope and chains are vital in storm protection but they are only as good as the anchor point they are fixed to. We carry a wide range of steel anchoring points, hooks and ground screws in our storm protection products range so you can have a tethering point ready to lash your property to in a hurry.

    Additional Storm Protection Tips

    • Prepare: If you are reading this we are probably preaching to the converted but we strongly advise people to do an assessment of their property, work out risks and get the  equipment you need to get everything secured safely. You can never have too much rope!
    • Emergency Kit: Keep an emergency kit with essentials like flashlights, batteries, and first aid supplies.
    • Stay Informed: Monitor weather forecasts and heed any storm warnings or advisories. Named storms are generally mentioned days in advance.
    • Insurance: Review your insurance policy to ensure adequate coverage for storm-related damages.

    By following this checklist and taking proactive measures, you can significantly reduce the risk of storm damage to your home, garden, and outdoor furniture. Always prioritise safety and consult with professionals when necessary.

    Finally we hope that this guide means when the bad weather hits your property and possessions won’t budge an inch but if the weather is bad enough to work something loose always remember that personal safety is a priority. Even if something is blowing around ask yourself: Do you really need to go outside? Is it safe? Is it worth the risk?