1 Take precautions
2Deal with leaks
3Minimize damage
226
NATURAL DISASTERS
Severe storm
For FLOOD see p. 228 High winds during a severe storm can cause damage to roofing, chimneys, and windows, while heavy rain can cause leakage and flooding. Lightning can also be dangerous if you are out in the open. But there are steps you can take to cope with and protect against storms and lasting damage.
COPING WITH A SEVERE STORM
1 Take precautions
• Stay inside during the storm.
• Fasten doors and windows tightly and check that doors to garden sheds and garages are also secure.
• Keep flashlights, candles, and matches in case of power outages.
• If a thunderstorm is on the way, disconnect television antennae and unplug computers and televisions. Power surges from lightning can start fires and cause considerable damage.
• Keep some buckets that you can place under ceiling leaks if the roof is damaged.
• Store garden furniture.
Take inside anything that could be damaged by the storm
2Deal with leaks
• Water dripping through the ceiling indicates that the roof is damaged or that flashing has worked loose, allowing water to seep through.
• Place buckets under the drips and go into the attic to look for a leak.
• If a roof tile or slate is damaged or missing, make a temporary repair with plastic sheeting( p. 206).
• If water is coming in around the chimney stack, repair or replace flashing after the storm( p. 206).
• If water is pooling outside your house, use a stiff broom to sweep it away, preferably downhill.
• If the water continues to rise, block all gaps under and around doors with sandbags( p. 228).
3Minimize damage
• If a window is blown in, move valuables out of that room. Block the window with boarding, nailing it from the inside. Alternatively, move a large piece of furniture, such as a wardrobe, in front of it.
• If a chimney stack is blown off, water may find its way down the chimney. Use boards to block all fireplaces, preventing rubble from coming down into the room.