Storm Eowyn advice from British Red Cross as Scotland braces for high winds

Brits are being urged to stay indoors and only go out if necessary as Storm Ewoyn is set to hit the UK. The Met Office has issued a rare 'red alert' for parts of Scotland and Northern Ireland, while amber warnings for wind and yellow warnings for rain are in place for the rest of Scotland, along with parts of England and Wales.

The warning is issued for 10am on Friday, January 24, with the alert saying that the strong winds "can present a danger to life, causing flying debris, falling trees and large waves around coastal areas". It also warns of potential power cuts and disruption to mobile coverage.

With the winds expected to reach 100mph in some areas, the British Red Cross has said that they have crisis response teams waiting on standby to help support communities, many who have already been affected by previous storms Bert and Darragh last year.

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The charity is urging people to be prepared and is offering advice on what to do before, during and after a storm. Director of crisis response and community resilience, Chris Davies, said: "As British Red Cross teams wait on standby to support communities across the UK, we are advising people to be as prepared as they can be.

"We have a lot of advice to help, simple things like securing loose objects in your garden, ensuring windows and doors are securely closed and making an evacuation plan for your family and pets which can make all the difference."

He added: "Tragically, the reality is that communities most at risk feel the worst effects of a storm when it hits. This hampers their ability to recover after a crisis and prepare for the next one. Through our work, we continue to see the real human impact this has and why it is so vital we prioritise resilience and emergency preparedness.

"As the UK continues to see an increase in extreme weather events, we must see greater support to help communities recover and adapt."

British Red Cross Advice for dealing with a storm

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 their website.

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.

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

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