More wind and rainstorms are forecast for the next few days, which has prompted HSBC insurance to offer advice to homeowners on how they can prepare their home for the onslaught.

In 2000, HSBC insurance customers made over 15,000 storm-related claims - 50% more than the year before. This number is likely to be just as high for last year (the ABI reckons that a total of £389million was paid out in storm and flood claims in 2001), while 2002 has also started with some foul and abusive weather. However, HSBC believe that there's no need to panic and start building the Ark but advises homeowners not to wait until there's a gale outside to think about insurance.

As well as shopping around for the best insurance deal, there are many things you can do now to protect your home:

• Keep guttering, drainpipes and overflow pipes securely attached to the building and clear of debris or leaves.
• Make sure window boxes are well attached so they don't come crashing down in a high wind.
• If you have a flat roof, check the sealant isn't cracked - or you could have an indoor waterfall next time there's a big storm!
• Secure garden furniture and loose fence panels.

And if the worst happens…

• Do not go outside to make repairs during a storm.
• Afterwards, check the aerial or satellite dish is still firmly fixed. Check the roof for missing or loose tiles - but only if can you do so safely.
• Get in touch with your insurer immediately, before you start cleaning up and moving things around. If your downstairs is flooded or a tree has crashed through the window, of course you will want to start cleaning up the mess. But sweeping out the water, throwing out damaged goods or making repairs could jeopardise your insurance claim. If you really can't put up with the mess, take photos before cleaning up. Make sure they are dated and write down what you have taken pictures of.
• Insurance experts also advise that you keep any damaged items to show assessors. It's easier to prove a waterlogged stereo exists if you can produce it.
• If the assessor can't get to you immediately and you need emergency repairs done, the insurer will have a list of recommended tradesmen. Don't just call someone in and then try to claim for the work weeks later.
• Most insurers have a 24 hour emergency number and will assess the damage as quickly as possible, then send in the repairmen. But they can't do anything until you contact them.

Some other points to consider:

If you live in a flood prone area, be sure that flooding is covered in your insurance - it may not be. Contact your local council as well - they should be able to advise you on damage prevention.

Many homeowners insure the building but not the contents. Flood and storm damage doesn't always affect the structure but you could find yourself facing a big bill for damage to furniture, carpets, electrical goods or treasured possessions if your contents aren't covered.

Has your policy expired? Don't put off renewing it and don't automatically re-insure for the same amount of cover every year. At HSBC, we automatically adjust your buildings sum insured in line with changing rebuilding costs.

Have you bought new furniture or electrical goods since you took out your last policy? If so, you might need to extend your cover.

You can get quotes for household insurance from a number of different providers online at: http://www.a-home-insurance-website.co.uk