Preparing for a Storm: Protecting people and property
11/17/2025
When Storm Amy brought widespread disruption to large parts of the UK in early October, it was another reminder of the potentially devastating impact of extreme weather events.
Are severe storms happening more frequently?
One of the reasons storms are such a challenging weather phenomenon is their unpredictability. The number of named storms (the Met Office names a storm if it is expected to cause widespread disruption, leading to either an amber or red weather warning) varies considerably from year to year. For example, in 2024-25, there were only six named storms – half the number from the previous year.
However, while some years may bring relative respite, the Met Office says analysis of longer-term weather patterns suggests severe storms are likely to become more common. Firstly, winter storms are bringing greater rainfall than they used to, and secondly, while the number and intensity of windstorms hasn’t changed much in recent decades, winter wind speeds are predicted to increase in the decades ahead.
For organisations, it has become ever more important to understand how to prepare for storms to protect people and property.
A sensible initial step is to encourage your people to sign up for Met Office weather alerts to ensure they are informed about likely dangers. Zurich Municipal customers can also access a surface water flood warning service through Previsico, at no extra cost.
Identifying property risk factors
When it comes to protecting property, it’s important to carry out thorough checks for signs of damage or defects that could make buildings more vulnerable to water or strong winds.
- Look for obvious signs of damage from ground level, including missing fixings or parts to roof flashings or roof tiles
- Ensure roof-mounted solar panels have been inspected within the past year by a qualified electrician with experience in solar panels
- Inspect nearby trees for dead branches that could fall during a storm
- Ensure gutters have been cleared/maintained, and are not at risk of becoming blocked by leaves
- Check that fence posts are sturdy and in good condition
- Other practical measures should include securing (or moving indoors) loose objects such as ladders or garden furniture, or other items or equipment that could be blown around in high winds.
Protecting people and communities
Public and voluntary sector organisations often play a crucial community role in extreme weather scenarios such as storms – for example, providing shelter or coordinating efforts to deliver practical essentials to vulnerable individuals.
If members of your organisation are likely to be involved in storm relief efforts, it’s important to consider what practical support and guidance you can provide to help them stay safe. Driving either during or in the immediate aftermath of a storm can present a range of additional risks, for example, from side winds, fallen trees, fallen power lines, and other road debris.
Practical measures to support your people could include:
- Developing and circulating a winter driving policy – explaining how to prepare vehicles for journeys in severe weather conditions, what to do in an emergency/breakdown scenario, and circumstances in which driving should be avoided altogether
- Preparing and sharing an emergency driving checklist – explaining essential items to take, such as suitable clothes, food and drink, a mobile phone charger, spare glasses/contact lenses, essential medication, and a list of emergency contact numbers
- Creating emergency car kits – including items such as jump leads, blankets, ice scrapers, first aid kits, battery-operated torches and spare batteries
- Sharing official government storm guidance – including guidance on driving in stormy conditions
Post-storm measures
When it is safe to do so, you should carry out a visual inspection of buildings and property for signs of damage, and take photographs to support any insurance claims.
Do not attempt any inspections or repairs while the storm is still in progress. Even once the storm is over, you should consider if any extra precautions may be required to ensure nobody puts themselves at risk while checking for damage or carrying out repairs. For example, you might need to consider bringing in specialist help for inspections or repairs that might present increased risk – such as roof-mounted solar panels or other structures where working at height is required.
Further help and support
We have published a number of articles with tips and guidance about dealing with storms and other extreme weather events.
- After the storm: 10 safety guidelines for clean-up and recovery
- Extreme weather: Windstorm advice
- Protecting your property from wind damage
Other useful resources*
*Zurich is not responsible for the content of external websites
