Be prepared: British Red Cross on standby and ready to support as UK prepares for Storm Chandra 

British Red Cross crisis response teams remain on standby and ready to support communities, as severe weather warnings for wind and rain have been issued ahead of the expected arrival of Storm Chandra.   

Amber wind alerts are in place for eastern Northern Ireland, alongside yellow warnings for Cornwall, southwest Wales and parts of northern Devon. An amber rain warning covers south Devon, Dorset, southern Somerset and southeast Cornwall, while yellow snow alerts are in place for Scotland and northern England.  

The British Red Cross has been carrying out welfare checks in communities affected by Storm Goretti, including in Cornwall where power outages left vulnerable residents isolated. Navigating challenging conditions, fallen trees, and remote locations, volunteers provided practical items like torches, blankets, and analogue phones, to people cut off by the outages.   

As the British Red Cross winds down its response to Storm Goretti, volunteers are once again on standby to support communities facing further severe weather. Many of the areas now at risk are still recovering from the impacts of Storms Goretti and Ingrid. The charity is urging people to be prepared and is offering advice on what to do before, during and after a storm.  

Eleanor Stack, British Red Cross operations lead, said:      

“With multiple warnings in place for wind, rain and snow, our teams are on standby to support communities across the UK. People may still be feeling the impacts of recent storms, so we’re urging everyone to stay informed about local alerts, take simple steps now to stay safe and to check in on more vulnerable people in their communities.  

“Our support line has been open throughout the severe weather, providing emotional and practical help to anyone affected. The calls we receive give us a clear picture of where needs are emerging, helping us work with local partners to get support to the communities that need it most. If you or someone you know needs assistance, please call 0808 196 3651.” 

Our advice on how best to deal with the effects of a storm can help you to prepare and recover from an extreme weather event.  

Preparing for a storm  

Outdoors:  

• Check for loose or cracked roof tiles that could easily fly off in strong winds. Also, check aerials and satellite dishes are properly attached.   
• Remove loose bricks from around the chimney stack and inside the home, and move furniture from the area directly below. Avoid it until the storm has passed.  
• Clear moss and leaves from guttering to prevent them from overflowing.   
• Secure loose objects that could be blown away and cause damage e.g. a trampoline.  
• Remove hazardous branches that are loose or overhanging your garden. Make sure to speak to the property owner if the trees are not on your property.  
• Secure fencing and gates. Ensure they are in good condition.  
• Park vehicles in a garage or away from buildings, trees, walls, and fences.  
• Keep informed – storms can result in flooding, ensure you are signed up for the latest flood alerts or for those not online, listen for updates on local radio.   
• Register in advance with the Priority Services Register (PSR) if you are a vulnerable person in England, Scotland and Wales. If you live in Northern Ireland, register with NIE Networks Medical Customer Care Register.  
• You can also find British Red Cross flood advice on our website.  

What to do during a storm  

 At home/in a building:  

• If you can, stay inside until the storm has passed.   
• Shut all windows, close doors, and keep away from windows.  
• Do not use a landline telephone unless it's an emergency.  
• If your electricity is cut off during a storm, follow our advice on staying safe in a power cut.  
• Do not attempt any repairs while the storm is ongoing, wait until it has passed. Be aware that even after, there is still a danger.  
• If you must leave the house, use an exit or entrance that's sheltered from the storm.  
• Stay away from boundary walls and fences; it they fall, you may be injured.  
• If you're not at home, don't attempt to travel. Instead, seek shelter nearby in a building or vehicle.  

Driving in a storm  

• Don't drive unless your journey is necessary, instead delay your journey or change plans.  
• If you are already driving, exit the highway and park in a safe location.  
• Heavy rain and high winds make driving treacherous. Drive slowly and stick to the main roads.  
• Take extra care when in highly exposed areas and around high-sided vehicles.    

 What to do after a storm  

• Don't walk too close to walls, buildings, and trees as they could have been weakened   
• If you feel safe and can, check on vulnerable neighbours or family members  
• If you want to report a fallen tree, contact your local council. Find your local council website.  
• If a fallen tree or hazard is an immediate danger to life, please call 999   

More information on how to prepare for disasters and emergencies, staying safe in cold weather, and how to prepare an emergency kit can be found at www.redcross.org.uk/get-help/prepare-for-emergencies/support-during-a-storm.  

About the British Red Cross

For over 150 years, the British Red Cross has helped people in crisis, whoever and wherever they are. With millions of volunteers in over 190 countries, the British Red Cross is part of an international humanitarian Movement that’s there for people before, during and after a crisis. Together, we are the world’s emergency responders. www.redcross.org.uk