'Prepare the home' for bad weather
(01 February 2008)

People should be prepared, including having the right home insurance cover, as weather conditions worsen, according to an expert.

With rain, snow and high winds forecast over the weekend and the average cost for storm damage being £1,000, customers should make sure they are covered, says Halifax.

Martyn Foulds, senior claims manager for Halifax Home Insurance, said: "It is advisable for homeowners to take preventative steps to reduce the risk of damage to their homes, and also ensure they have adequate home insurance cover in place."

In preparing a home for high winds people should secure any garden furniture, check outdoor light fittings and cut back low hanging trees.

One in five homeowners have no building insurance meaning in a flood, fire or wind damage to the home they would not be covered, according to the Strabane Chronicle.

Halifax also suggests keeping a home emergency kit in case of severe snow or storm, which should include a torch, batteries, blankets, emergency contact details and your home insurance policy.