Storm preparations

believe housing has been preparing for the stormy weather which is likely to cause disruption across our region over the next few days.

The Met Office has issued an amber warning from this afternoon (Wednesday, February 16) through to the small hours of Thursday, February 17– with Storm Dudley expected to bring a period of very strong and disruptive winds.

A yellow weather warning is then in place for much of Friday (February 18) as Storm Eunice is likely to bring further strong winds.

In order to look after our customers and their homes, we have teams and procedures in place to monitor the situation closely and to respond as necessary.

To help us prioritise those most in need/emergency repairs, please only call us in an emergency on 0300 1311 999 if your situation puts the health, safety or security of properties, customers or anyone else at immediate risk.

All non-emergency repairs can be reported via our online portal or the believe housing app. We will then be in touch to appoint your repair work as soon as possible. Please bear with us whilst we are dealing with high volumes of repairs.

You can also email hello@believehousing.co.uk and, if it is safe to take a photograph, send us a picture of the damage with your report to help us respond in a timely and efficient manner.

If you can safely do so, here are some simple steps you can take to help us and to minimise damage and danger:

Before the storm

• Secure loose objects such as ladders, garden furniture, planters or anything else that could be blown into windows and other glazing and break them
• Close and securely fasten doors and windows
• Park vehicles in a garage, if available; otherwise keep them clear of buildings, trees, walls and fences

During the storm

• Stay indoors as much as possible
• If you do go out, try not to walk or shelter close to buildings and trees
• Keep away from the sheltered side of boundary walls and fences – if these structures fail, they will collapse on this side
• Do not go outside and attempt to repair damage while the storm is in progress
• If possible, enter and leave your house through doors in the sheltered side, closing them behind you

After the storm

• Do not 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
• Check any vulnerable neighbours or relatives are safe and help them make arrangements for any repairs

Other safety advice includes:

• Only travel, if necessary, avoid exposed routes and allow extra time for your journey, as some roads and bridges could close and public transport services may be affected.
• Avoid coastal roads and the seafront, as there is a risk of large waves and beach material being thrown by the wind.
• Prepare for potential power cuts by having a charged mobile to hand with all important numbers stored, keeping a torch handy, wrap up warm with extra clothing and blankets and make up a flask and hot water bottle.