UK households are being urged to keep seven items ‘on hand’ during the extreme winds from Storm Eowyn today.
The entire country including England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland has been issued a weather warning by the Met Office, including yellow, amber and very rare red weather warnings for wind, as well as snow in some areas.
All 76 UK cities have been put on alert for power cuts, as well as travel disruption and a possible ‘danger to life’.
Some areas of Scotland have already been plunged into darkness, with power cuts reported on Friday morning.
Home insurance firm AXA has told customers they should keep seven items ‘on hand’ during the storms on Friday and Saturday in order to be prepared for power cuts.
It said: “In the height of the high winds, keep an emergency kit on hand. This could be especially useful if stormy weather results in a power cut. Basic items to include in the kit are:
a list of emergency contact numbers
home insurance documents
torches
tinned food and drinking water
blankets and warm clothing
instructions on how to safely turn off your power, water, and gas
a first aid kit.
The firm added that, after the storm passes, you should also not attempt to make any repairs yourself.
They said: “Don’t try to make any repairs and only go outside when it’s safe to do so. Always wait for professionals to deal with any downed power cables or structural damage.
“Even if you do put all the above safety measures into action, there’s still the chance your property could be damaged by high winds. That’s why it’s a good idea to get to grips with the ins and outs of your home, contents and car insurance before windy weather hits so that you know exactly what you’re covered for if the worst happens.”
The Met Office said in its warning: “Very strong winds associated with Storm Éowyn causing very dangerous conditions and significant disruption on Friday.
“Southwesterly then westerly winds will rapidly increase from west to east Friday mid-morning onwards into the afternoon, with peak gusts of 80-90 mph fairly widely and perhaps up to 100 mph along exposed western coasts. This brings the risk of significant disruption to transport and power supplies as well as dangerous conditions outdoors. Winds will gradually ease through Friday evening.”
