How To Stay Safe During Consecutive Storms: The 5 Tips
A practical guide to protecting your home and family as Storm Boele and Storm Austen hit the UK back‑to‑back
Back‑to‑back storms can overwhelm even the best‑prepared households. Knowing what to do now can prevent flooding, power loss and costly repairs. This guide gives you five actionable steps to keep your family safe today.
Step 1: Monitor Official Weather Alerts
Sign up for the Met Office Storm Tracker and the BBC Weather app to receive push notifications. Set the alert threshold to "severe weather" so you’re notified 30‑60 minutes before impact. Use the Met Office map to see projected rainfall, with Storm Boele expected to deliver up to 80 mm in some areas.
Step 2: Secure Your Property Against Flooding
Clear gutters and downspouts to ensure water flows away from foundations. Install a rain barrel or a temporary sump pump in low‑lying basements. The rain barrel can hold up to 200 litres, reducing runoff by 40% in moderate rain events.
Step 3: Prepare an Emergency Kit
Gather flashlights, batteries, bottled water (two liters per person per day), non‑perishable food, a first‑aid kit and a battery‑powered radio. Label all items clearly and store them in a waterproof container. Keep the kit in an easily accessible location like the main hallway or a basement stairwell.
Step 4: Check Electrical Safety Measures
Turn off circuit breakers for any appliances that could be damaged by power surges. Keep essential devices on battery backup or a generator rated for at least 5 kW. Test your backup system at least once a week to ensure it starts automatically during a storm.
Step 5: Create a Family Evacuation Plan
Identify the nearest storm shelters and map out multiple routes. Practice the plan with all family members, including pets, so everyone knows where to go and what supplies to bring. Keep a small bag with your ID, insurance papers and a spare set of keys in a waterproof pouch.
Many people overlook the importance of a **battery‑backup sump pump**; installing one with a 24‑hour battery can keep basements dry even if the mains power fails.
By following these five steps you’ll reduce the risk of damage and keep your family safe during back‑to‑back storms. You now have a clear action plan and the tools needed to act quickly. Stay alert, stay prepared, and protect what matters most.
