Advice in the Event of a Storm or Flood - Angus Housing Association

How to Prepare Yourself & Property in the Event of a Storm

Preparing for a Storm

Outside

Secure loose objects that could be blown away and cause damage e.g. a trampoline

Secure fencing and gates. Ensure they are in good condition

Park vehicles in a garage or away from buildings, trees, walls, and fences

Indoors

Lightning can cause power surges. Unplug non-essential electrical appliances

Close and secure windows and exterior doors especially larger doors like in a garage. Ensure they are water-tight and sealed

Make sure loft access is secure

Prepare an emergency kit. Include a torch, radio, matches, and a list of emergency phone numbers

Find out who supplies your gas and electricity

What to do in a storm

A storm can come on quickly. Make sure you know what to do wherever you find yourself:

At home/in a building

Stay inside until the storm has passed

Shut all windows, close doors, and keep away from windows

Do not use a landline telephone unless it’s an emergency

Do not attempt any repairs while the storm is ongoing, wait until it has passed. Be aware that even after, there is still a danger

If you must leave the house, use an exit or entrance that’s sheltered from the storm

Stay away from boundary walls and fences; ft they fall, you may be injured

If you’re not at home, don’t attempt to travel. Instead, seek shelter nearby in a building or vehicle

When outside

Stay away from golf buggies, fishing rods, wheelchairs, and bicycles

If you are in a tent, stay away from the metal poles

Do not use an umbrella in a lightning storm

Do not shelter under a tree

Immediately get out of water if you are swimming or in a vessel e.g. a kayak or boat.

If you can’t find shelter and a lightning storm is close by, the Met Office advises: “squat close to the ground, with hands on knees and head tucked between them. Try to touch as little of the ground as possible; do not lie down on the ground.

If you have to travel in a storm, inform a family member or friend of your plans.

Driving in a storm

Don’t drive unless your journey is necessary, instead delay your journey or change plans.

If you are already driving, exit the highway and park in a safe location away from trees or overhead power lines.

Heavy rain and high winds make driving treacherous. Drive slowly and stick to the main roads.

Take extra care when in highly exposed areas and around high-sided vehicles.

What to do after a storm

Once a thunderstorm has passed, do not touch any electrical or telephone cables that have been blown down

Don’t walk too close to walls, buildings, and trees as they could have been weakened

If you feel safe and can, check on vulnerable neighbours or family members

If you want to report a fallen tree, contact Angus Housing Association

What to do in the event of a flood

If your area has a flood warning (when flooding is expected) or severe flood warning (when there’s a danger to life):

turn off your gas, electricity and water supplies, if it’s safe to do so – do not touch an electrical switch if you’re standing in water
move your family, vehicles, pets and important items to safety, for example upstairs or to higher ground
if you have them, use flood protection products, for example flood barriers or air brick covers · follow advice from your local council or the emergency services – you may be asked to evacuate

You can also speak to a Floodline adviser.

· Floodline Telephone: 0345 988 1188 Textphone: 0345 602 6340 24-hour service

If you have Facebook please follow our page, Dundee/Angus Councils’ and the Scottish government for updates

Also please check the MET office website for news and guidance