Storm safety: what to do now

999 danger to life · 105 power cut (free) · 0345 988 1188 Floodline

Met Office warnings Flood warnings Today's UK round-up

• Charge phones and power banks.
• Find torches and spare batteries (avoid candles).
• Secure or bring in garden furniture, bins, trampolines and anything that could blow away.
• Check flood alerts for your area and sign up for free warnings.
• Park away from trees, walls and power lines.
• Check on elderly or vulnerable neighbours and keep medicines to hand.

• Stay indoors and away from windows where you can.
• Avoid travel unless essential. Check National Highways or Traffic Scotland first.
• Keep away from the coast, seafronts and flood water.
• Never touch or go near fallen power lines. Stay at least 10 metres away and call 105, or 999 if there's immediate danger.
• Power cut? Call 105 or visit powercut105.com. Keep the fridge and freezer closed.
• Call 999 in an emergency.

• Check on neighbours, especially older people.
• Report damage: fallen lines on 105, blocked roads and fallen trees to your council.
• Food safety after a power cut: a closed fridge stays cold for about 4 hours and a full freezer for about 48 hours. If in doubt, throw it out.
• Take photos of any damage before tidying up, for your insurer.
• Don't walk or drive through flood water.

• Don't travel by train unless you need to. Check National Rail status and disruptions and your train operator's website before you set off.
• In high winds, expect speed restrictions and cancellations. Fallen trees and flooding can close lines at short notice.
• During disruption, tickets are often accepted on other routes or operators. If you're delayed, you can usually claim Delay Repay from your operator, and if you don't travel you may be able to get a refund.
• In Scotland, check ScotRail.

• Avoid coastal routes, seafronts and promenades in high winds or big waves. Spray and waves coming over sea walls can sweep people and cars away.
• Bridges such as the Severn, Humber, Forth and Tay may close, or be closed to high-sided vehicles, in strong winds.
• Check National Highways (Traffic England), Traffic Scotland, Traffic Wales and your local council for road closures.
• Never drive through floodwater. Just 30cm of moving water can float a car.
• If someone is in trouble at sea or on the coast, call 999 and ask for the Coastguard.

MOT tests and garage appointments may be postponed or disrupted during severe weather. Contact your garage before you travel, and see the gov.uk guidance on getting an MOT.

• gov.uk: Prepare for emergencies
• Printable StormReady guides
• Emergency kit list generator
• Your area: local flood and power cut status