Met Éireann issues Status Orange and Yellow warnings as heavy wind and rain to hit Ireland from tomorrow the 11/03/2019. 
We know storms can cause huge destruction. With our weather due to take a turn for the worst we thought it may be a good idea to offer you some tips:
From loose roof tiles to smashed windows or broken TV aerials, there are lots of ways a storm can cause damage to our homes. But with a little preparation you could help to reduce the potential for damage – and save yourself some money and some stress in the process.
Before the storm
- Take care of the trees. Remove any loose or overhanging branches from trees that could cause damage if the wind were to catch them (make sure these trees aren’t protected by any environmental laws before removing). It may be a good idea to put your car in a garage or somewhere relatively safe, away from tall trees or any other loose debris.
- Get the garden ready. Secure or lock away loose objects in your outside spaces like garden furniture, bikes, ladders, trampolines, and children’s toys.
- Batten down the hatches. Fasten all your doors and windows securely.
- Lose the loose tiles. If you have loose tiles on the roof, think about getting these secured before the storm comes in. Most insurance providers will expect you to keep your home in a good state of repair, anyway, for their policies to remain in force.
- Clear out your gutters. It’s worth doing this at least once a year to stop rainwater overflowing and damaging plaster work or backing up and causing leaks.
- Secure weak fences and posts. If your fence blows away, you don’t want it to cause damage to any other parts of your property (or anyone else’s).
- Check aerials or satellite dishes. It might not be practical to do this yourself, but if you have any doubts and do have the time, it could be worth getting someone in to check they’re nice and secure.
- Check your contents and buildings insurance is up to date. No matter how careful you are, there’s always the risk that a storm will cause damage to your car or property – so it’s important you have the right kind of insurance in place you can call us here at MBC insurance if you have any doubts about your insurance policy.
- Make sure if you are to make a claim that you are claiming for something that is a direct result of the storm, and not because of poor home maintenance. Your insurer will take general wear and tear into account before deciding on the outcome of your claim.
- If your car is damaged by a falling tree, you’ll need comprehensive insurance in place as third-party fire and theft insurance doesn’t usually cover this sort of damage.
For more information on this and other topics, check out our blog or get in touch with one of our experts today in our Cork and Listowel offices.