Weather Emergencies
Severe windstorm: protecting your property
Severe windstorm: the right reflexes in a few simple steps.
Written by Mohamed IDBRAHIM · Updated octubre 13, 2026 · 7 min read
Immediate actions
- 1 Park vehicles away from large trees.
- 2 Bring in or anchor patio furniture and bins.
- 3 Skip forest walks during wind warnings.
- 4 Report leaning or cracked trees to the council.
What not to do / warning
Most storm injuries come from flying debris and falling branches.
When a severe windstorm happens, the first minutes matter. Follow these steps to act safely and without panic.
What to do right now
- Park vehicles away from large trees.
- Bring in or anchor patio furniture and bins.
- Skip forest walks during wind warnings.
- Report leaning or cracked trees to the council.
Mistakes to avoid
- Acting before removing the immediate source of danger.
- Panicking or skipping the official procedures.
- Following unverified advice from random websites.
How to prevent this in the future
Regular checks, keeping emergency numbers visible and preparing an essentials kit go a long way. Save this guide for offline access.
Frequently asked questions
What should I do first?
Ensure everyone is safe, remove the source of danger, then call the relevant number or begin the official procedure.
When should I call emergency services?
Whenever life, serious injury or fire is involved. When in doubt, call — dispatchers would rather check than miss an emergency.