How to minimise damage to your home during Storm Ciaran

Salford can expect heavy rain and strong winds increasing this week with the storm heading to the UK tonight (November 1).

Andy Simms, building expert from MyBuilder.com, has offered some words of advice: “Storm Ciaran looks like it could create havoc across the country for homeowners. These are short-term measures you can take to minimise your risks and mean you are aware of any issues that might need attention later.”

Before the storm:

• Check your gutters – Blocked gutters can cause flooding and leaks in your home, while loose guttering is a hazard in high winds. Make sure all sections of your guttering are firmly secured.
• Check your chimney – Chimneys are at risk during high winds, and can cause damage to your roof, gardens, cars, or people should they fly away.
• Look out for loose tiles – Even a single missing tile can leave a gap big enough for water to enter your roof space, which can cause considerable damage if not fixed quickly.
• Remove any loose tree branches – Large branches can cause serious damage to house, cars and people. Remove them if they could cause an issue.
• Learn how to switch off utilities – Discover how to turn off your gas and electricity supply in case of emergency to avoid severe water or fire damage.

After the storm:

• Check fences – If a panel is down, assess if it can be fixed or if it’s too damaged. Check with your neighbour as well.
• Upgrade your fencing – If your fence is prone to falling down it may be a good time to replace it.
• Check your roof – You might need a professional to check for leaks.
• Trim your trees – Call a tree surgeon to remove of fallen tree branches safely.