Storm safety advice for churches

Churches can also prepare by having contingency plans in place to deal with a disaster should the worst happen. Ideally, churches should prepare a disaster recovery plan covering how to deal with a severe weather event causing flood, storm, or other damage so that the effects of this on the structure and its contents can be minimised and the church kept open.

• 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
• Ensure the church or property is properly maintained throughout the year. Particular attention should be paid to areas most likely to bear the brunt of any storm, 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.

• Do not visit the church to repair damage while the storm is in progress
• If you have to go into a church or are in a church during a storm, enter and leave the building through doors in 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
• Do not walk too close to walls, buildings, and trees, as they could have been weakened
• 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.