Prepare for a storm
Storm Babet (October 2023) caused 13 fatalities, severe flooding across Scotland and northern England and cut power to over 100,000 homes. Storm Henk (January 2024) followed weeks later. Storm Eowyn (January 2025) left over 1 million homes without power — the largest weather-related power loss in modern UK history. Atlantic storms are now an annual reality, not an exception.
The difference between families who get through a major storm comfortably and those who don't comes down to a few things: 72-hour kit ready by the door, documents in a waterproof pouch, an agreed meeting point, and knowing your address on the gov.uk flood map. The Met Office and gov.uk/prepare recommend at least 72 hours of household autonomy.
What to do before, during and after a storm
Before: check if you live in a flood-risk area on gov.uk/check-flood-risk. Have your 72-hour kit ready — water, non-perishable food, first aid, torch, battery radio, documents in a waterproof pouch. Sign up to Environment Agency flood warnings (text/email). Agree a meeting point with the family.
During: never drive through flooded roads (50 cm of moving water can sweep a car away). Turn off the consumer unit before water reaches sockets. If water enters the house, go to an upper floor or attic. Don't touch wiring near water. Keep a battery radio on for Met Office and emergency service updates.
After: don't return home until authorities confirm it's safe. Wear gloves and waterproof boots — flood water carries sewage contamination, leptospirosis, rats and rodents. Document everything with photos for insurance. Throw out food that contacted flood water. See a GP if you develop fever or diarrhoea after exposure.