Storm Eunice: Senior meteorologist Jim Dale on what to expect

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Storm Eunice and Storm Dudley are on their way to batter the UK tomorrow with 100mph winds. The Met Office is warning Brits to stay at home where possible and avoid travelling. However, the storms have the potential to uproot trees and blow around debris that could be a danger to life and cause damage to buildings and homes. Don’t worry, Express.co.uk reveals how to protect your home in a storm, according to the Met Office and Buildworld.

What NOT to do to protect your home in a storm – the five best practices to stop Storm Eunice damage

Don’t leave possessions loose outside

The wind has the potential to pick up objects and launch them into your home, so secure loose objects such as ladders, trampolines, garden furniture or anything else that could be blown into windows and other glazing and break them.

These items often get swept away by strong winds during a storm and have the ability to cause serious damage to buildings and people.

A trampoline got stuck in a train line in Scotland yesterday, so taking this step could save a lot of drama.

Move objects like these into garages and sheds or use ropes and heavy objects to weigh them down.

Don’t use duct tape

Strong duct tape might seem like a solution for windows that let in a draft, but it’s a waste of time.

You won’t give the windows any protection or strength and the wind will still get into your home.

Use draught snakes along the windowsill and close any curtains or blinds to stop the wind from getting in.

Don’t leave your car at risk

Cars and other vehicles often fall victim to adverse weather, especially when strong winds rip down trees. These trees can then fall down onto your car.

If your car is usually parked by a tree or another large object, move the vehicle to an open place or a car park.

This will reduce the chances of any potential damage caused by falling objects.

If you have a garage, park your vehicles in there. If not, just keep them clear of buildings, trees, walls and fences.

Don’t leave your gutters clogged

Gutters collect runoff water from your roof and direct rainwater away from the foundation

During a storm, it’s more important than ever that your gutters are fully functioning.

Gutters are often forgotten about and can soon be built up with dirt and other debris.

If the gutters are blocked, heavy rain can overflow the gutters and cause damage to the inside of your property. This could lead to leaks and interior wall damage.

Don’t leave your gates, doors and windows open

You wouldn’t think that your gates could be affected by a storm, but it’s essential to close your gates.

Strong winds can often cause gates to fly open and if they’re made from a more fragile material such as wood, they may break.

Close and securely fasten doors and windows, particularly those on the windward side of the house, and especially large doors such as those on garages.

Close and secure loft trapdoors with bolts, particularly if the roof pitch is less than 30.

If you have shutters over the windows, make sure these are closed and fastened too.

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