Storm safety for churches

• Sign up for severe weather warnings at metoffice.gov.uk or keep up to date with the latest weather news using local TV or radio stations.
• Arrange for any bushes or trees that could damage windows in high winds to be trimmed back.
• Keep up with building maintenance throughout the year. Particular attention should be paid to areas most exposed to the elements, such as steeples, pinnacles, and the roof.
• Secure loose objects in the churchyard and grounds - such as ladders, benches or anything else that could be blown into windows.
• Close and securely fasten doors and windows, particularly those on the windward side of the building and especially large doors.
• Make sure that roofs, gutters and drains are maintained.

• Do not visit the church to repair damage while the storm is in progress.
• If you need to go into a church or are in a church during a storm, enter and leave the building through doors on the sheltered side, closing them behind you.

• Be careful not to touch any electrical/telephone cables that have been blown down or are still hanging.
• Try not to walk too close to walls, buildings and trees that could have been weakened, especially if they show signs of damage.
• Contact reputable contractors to make safe items such as fallen trees and walls.

If any damage has been caused to your property or its contents, we are here to help - often the quicker you tell us about a possible claim, the quicker and easier it is to deal with the consequences. Please call our claims team on 0345 603 8381.