Autumn is here, and so are the storms
As the nights draw in, the Met Office, Met Éireann and KNMI have published their storm names for the 2026/27 season, and we can soon expect visits from Storms Austen, Boelo and Chloe, all the way through to Theo, Vesna and Wende.
Whether or not every one of those storms reaches your doorstep, autumn is the ideal time to get ahead of the weather. A little preparation now is far quicker, cheaper and less stressful than clearing up after a gale.
How storm-proof is your property?
Now is the perfect time to take a walk round your garden, yard or outbuildings and ask a simple question: what would move in a 60mph gust?
The usual suspects are easy to spot:
- Garden tables, chairs and loungers
- Wheelie bins left out for collection
- Trampolines, play equipment and garden structures
- Sheds, greenhouses and lightweight outbuildings
- Tarpaulins, covers and anything else that can catch the wind
Anything loose can become a hazard to your property, your car and your neighbours. The good news is that securing it properly is straightforward, and English Chain Direct has the products to do it.
Storm protection and anchoring from English Chain Direct
Our Storm Protection range brings together the products you need to keep your property secure when the weather turns, from tethering and fixing solutions to the chains and fittings that hold them together.
If you need to fix something firmly to the ground, take a look at our Earth Anchoring range. Earth anchors are a dependable way to secure sheds, play equipment, garden structures and more, so they stay put when the wind picks up.
A great range of chains and anchor points
Good storm protection starts with strong links and secure fixing points. We stock a wide choice of both:
- Welded Chain: a great range of sizes and finishes for tethering, securing and fastening, whatever the job.
- Anchor Bolts: solid anchor points to fix your chain to walls, concrete and other surfaces.
Pair the right chain with the right anchor point and you have a secure setup that is ready for whatever the autumn brings.
Ready-made kits for the jobs everyone forgets
Not sure what you need? We have put together two kits designed specially for the most common storm-prep tasks.
Stop tables, chairs and loungers from taking flight. This kit gives you what you need to secure your garden furniture in one go.
Wheelie Bin Tethering Chain Kit
A bin blown across the road is a nuisance for everyone. Tether yours securely so it stays where you left it, whatever the weather.
Bargain of the season: blue polypropylene rope at £1.20 for 30m
While you are preparing, add some rope to your basket. Our blue polypropylene rope mini coils are currently just £1.20 for 30m.
It is a handy, low-cost way to lash down covers, tie down furniture and add an extra layer of security around the garden.
Your quick storm-prep checklist
Ten minutes this week could save you a lot of trouble later. Before the first named storm arrives:
- Walk round your property and note anything loose or lightweight.
- Secure garden furniture with chain or rope.
- Tether wheelie bins so they cannot blow away.
- Anchor sheds, play equipment and structures to the ground.
- Check existing chains, fixings and anchor points for wear or rust.
Ready to get started? Shop our full Storm Protection range and get your property storm-ready before Storm Austen arrives.