Storm Chandra: Five Things Homeowners Should Not Do Today
Storm Chandra is bringing 60-70mph winds, heavy rain, and snow to much of the UK today. The Met Office has issued multiple weather warnings, including amber warnings for parts of south-west England and Northern Ireland, with widespread yellow warnings covering much of the UK.
With the storm already underway, John Khan, home expert and Director at commercial scaffolding company One 9 Scaffolding, is urging homeowners to avoid making panic decisions that could lead to serious injury or costly damage.
With this in mind, John shares five things homeowners should absolutely not do today during Storm Chandra:
“When storms hit, it’s natural for people to want to deal with problems immediately. But high winds and wet surfaces make even simple tasks extremely dangerous. We regularly see situations where minor issues are made far worse because someone tried to fix them at the wrong time.”
1. Don’t climb ladders or try to check the roof
“When the wind’s up and everything’s wet, ladders are one of the first things that become dangerous. Even if it feels calmer for a moment, gusts can come out of nowhere and knock you off balance. Likewise, roof edges can become so unstable once tiles or fixings have been loosened.
If you’re worried about the roof, wait and leave a proper check until the weather has settled. Fixing a slipped tile isn’t worth an injury!”
2. Don’t attempt ‘quick fixes’ while the storm is still going
“When something comes loose, it’s tempting to try a quick fix to stop it getting worse, but temporary repairs during storms rarely hold. Pushing a loose tile back or tying something down in bad conditions can loosen surrounding fixings or trap water where it shouldn’t be.
Small issues can turn into much bigger repair jobs because someone tried to fix it in the middle of the storm rather than waiting it out. For instance, water can become trapped during a makeshift fix, which leads to hidden damage that only shows up days or weeks later. This often results in more expensive repairs than if the issue had been left alone.”
3. Don’t move heavy outdoor items in strong winds
“A lot of people get injured trying to move bins or furntiure once the wind has picked up. Strong gusts can make heavy objects unpredictable, increasing the risk that you pick up a nasty injury or even cause damage to nearby vehicles or windows.
If something’s already out there, it’s usually safer to leave it until conditions improve rather than risking a slip or being knocked over.”
4. Don’t block drains or try to redirect water
“When rain is coming down heavily, drains need to do their job. Blocking gullies or trying to divert water away from the house can actually cause it to back up and go where you don’t want it.
What this can result in is water backing up against walls or foundations, which puts you at risk of internal flooding or long-term structural damage that would end up costing you hundreds of pounds to put right.”
5. Don’t ignore warning signs around your property
“Unusual noises like banging or rattling are usually a sign that something’s moved or loosened. But that’s not something to investigate during a storm.
If something looks unstable, weather it’s fencing or parts of the building, just keep your distance and wait until it’s safe. Getting to close in those conditions can be risky.”
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