Loss of Gas or Electricity
Storms can often be accompanied by heavy rainfall and have the potential to cause widespread disruption and even danger to life in severe conditions. The Met Office issues local weather warnings based on the level of impacts and the likelihood of them occurring.
On this Page: What to do / How to Prepare / How to recover / Supporting your Community / Protecting your Business
What to do
- Stay informed – look at the weather forecast and check the Met Office for weather warnings and details of risk in your area
- Secure outdoor items such as bins, garden furniture and trampolines to prevent them being blown into roads or through windows
- Close and fasten windows and doors securely
- Park vehicles in a garage if available; otherwise keep them clear of buildings, trees, walls, and fences
- Be aware of flood risk by signing up for flood warnings at Check for Flooding (GOV.UK)
We can all be better prepared
Our The ‘Are you ready’ booklet brings together advice from various organisation to help you and your family take simple steps to reduce risk, prepare for and respond to emergencies such as fire, flood and loss of power.
Avoid Unnecessary Travel
Avoid non-essential travel. If you must travel, allow extra time.
Flooding
Never walk or drive through flood water.
Take Extra Care
Drivers should slow down, be aware of side winds and look out for debris blown into the road.
Stay Indoors
Stay indoors as much as possible. Do not go outside to repair damage while the storm is in progress.
Exposed Routes
Take extra care when driving on exposed routes, such as bridges and high open roads, or if towing or in a high sided vehicle.
What to do after a storm
Utilities
Be careful not to touch any electrical or telephone cables that have blown down or are still hanging. Report them to the emergency services or utility supplier.
Buildings & Structures
Do not walk too close to walls, buildings, and trees as they may have been weakened.
Community
Make sure that any vulnerable neighbours or relatives are safe and help them arrange repairs if required
Supporting your Community
Community resilience means people and neighbourhoods using local skills, knowledge and resources to look after themselves and each other during emergencies, working alongside but not replacing emergency services. Being prepared—knowing the risks you face, having basic plans for your household, and identifying neighbours who may need extra help—reduces harm and speeds recovery, especially when responders must prioritise the most urgent cases.
Many communities formalise this readiness with a simple Community Emergency Plan template and supporting guidance, which captures practical arrangements and contact details, so groups can act quickly and coherently. Testing those plans is equally important: simple checks (for example, a call‑out to verify contacts) or full exercises (such as opening a local Place of Safety) reveal gaps and build confidence. Local multi‑agency groups, like the LRF Community Resilience Group in Gloucestershire, provide a toolkit, guidance and workshops to help communities prepare and practise.
Protecting your Business
Business continuity management (BCM) ensures that an organisation can continue operating during disruptions. It involves analysing business processes, assessing risks, and creating plans to maintain critical functions. Key steps include identifying potential threats, evaluating their impact, and developing strategies to mitigate risks.
The BCM plan should include clear procedures for recovery, regular testing, and updates. It also covers compliance with regulations like the Protect Duty, which addresses counter-terrorism measures. Regular testing ensures the plan’s effectiveness and readiness in case of emergencies. Business continuity management helps organisations identify the risks that could interrupt operations and put in place proportionate plans to reduce disruption and recover quickly. It’s essential because businesses with continuity arrangements are far more likely to survive major incidents—flooding, fire, cyberattacks or staff shortages—and small firms in particular can suffer disproportionate harm from even short interruptions. A simple, common‑sense approach—gather colleagues, list core activities, and assess what might go wrong and how likely it is—will reveal the biggest remaining risks to plan for.