IT’S THAT TIME of year when weather warnings and unexpected storms are coming to wreak havoc on all of us.

Storm damage accounted for 28% of Allianz home insurance claims in 2024, according to the latest data, so being prepared for harsh weather is one of the most important steps you can take to reduce the risk of damage to your home or your garden during stormy weather conditions.

Many major storms cause power outages in Ireland, so the first thing to make sure of is that you’ve got plenty of battery packs charged up and ready to see you through a few hours or more of no power. But while this is a step you can take when you know a storm is coming, there are some things you can do now to get ahead of the curve. 

Now that the dark evenings are getting longer and less time is being spent in the garden, you should either put away or safely secure items in your garden that could potentially be blown over, such as lawn furniture, potted plants, and perhaps most infamously, trampolines. If you’ve got a trampoline in your garden, make sure it is properly affixed to the ground, so it doesn’t blow away and cause serious damage to your home or someone else’s.

Now is also a good time to check the sealing on your windows and make sure it’s all up to scratch, as holes can allow the elements to cause structural problems and perhaps lead to serious damage at a time when it’s least convenient. 

While not all storms will feature thunder and lightning, they do come with their own level of unique risk. If there is a thunder and lightning storm forecast, you should implement the following steps:

• Unplug electrical goods except for lights.
• Draw the blinds on your windows and stay away from windows and doors.
• Prepare for the possible loss of power with power banks and batteries to charge essential devices.
• Avoid using plumbing like showers, sinks, and baths because lightning can travel through pipes.
• In a blackout, mobile devices, battery-powered lights, and torches can provide a light source. Try to avoid using candles, as they can cause fire if left unattended or knocked over.
• Stay inside for at least 30 minutes after the last clap of thunder.

Most importantly, if your home is damaged during a storm, you should call for professional help when it is safe to do so to prevent any further damage. Allianz Home Insurance customers can call for Home Emergency Assistance, which is available 24/7 365 days a year. Similarly, you should waste no time in notifying your insurer of any claim you intend to make.

For more advice on how to prepare your home for bad weather, make sure to visit the Allianz Weather Hub, which features helpful advice for dealing with snow, ice, heavy rains, flooding, strong winds and thunderstorms. 

To learn more about the benefits of emergency home assistance – including 24/7/365 availability - click here.

Allianz p.l.c. is regulated by the Central Bank of Ireland. Standard acceptance criteria, terms, conditions and a minimum premium apply.

*https://gngroofing.ie/roof-maintenance-tips-ireland/