Storm Checklist: What You Must Do Before, During, and After

Before the Storm

Secure Outdoor Areas

• Garden furniture and chairs brought inside or secured
• Sun umbrellas folded and secured
• Plant pots and garden planters moved inside
• Toys, bicycles, decorations secured
• Trash bins secured or moved to basement
• Awnings and canopies retracted
• Gas cylinders secured or moved inside
• Car parked away from tree hazard zones
• Gutters checked for blockages

Prepare the House

• All windows and doors closed and locked
• Flashlight with fresh batteries ready
• Power bank charged
• Hand-crank radio with batteries ready
• First aid kit accessible
• Emergency supply (72h) checked
• Warning apps: current warning level checked

During the Storm

Safety

• Stay indoors — no outdoor exposure during hurricane-force winds
• No balcony, no terrace
• Keep distance from windows
• Disconnect electrical devices if lightning nearby
• Basement: leave immediately if water enters

If Power Fails

• Flashlight or candles
• Keep refrigerator closed (holds 4-6h)
• Power bank for smartphone
• Radio for current information

After the Storm

Immediate Checks

• Building for visible damage (roof, windows, walls)
• Don't touch loose electrical lines
• Don't remove fallen trees without expertise
• Check basement for water ingress

Insurance Documentation

• Photograph damage before repairs begin
• Contact insurer
• Commission repairs if necessary

Emergency Numbers

• Emergency: 112 (Europe universal)
• Police: 110 (Germany) / 999 (UK) / 911 (US)
• Weather warning apps: free (check country-specific apps)