The harsh weather predicted by the Met Office took a firm grip on much of the country this week and although the weather is set for a quieter spell in many areas, the storms are sure to return yet again this winter. Maybe the quieter weekend is a good time to look at your home using the checklist below.

Severe weather is often destructive enough to bring down trees, cause structural damage to buildings and potentially bring localised flooding. According to Halifax General Insurance, the UK's largest arranger of household insurance, in these circumstances it is important to know what steps you can take to try and minimise the disruption and damage caused to your property and to deal with the aftermath should the worst happen.

Howard Posner, chief operating officer of Halifax General Insurance, advises:

"This is exactly the time of year when storms do their worst. High winds, rain and flooding all have the potential to cause damage to property but the added dangers of unforeseen incidents such as falling trees, flying roof tiles and broken guttering can also cause injury and destruction.”

“While much storm damage is out of our control there are certain measures that can be taken to help reduce the possibility of serious damage and, on the other side of the coin, you should ensure that if anything does go wrong with your house that you are prepared and insured."

Storm damage prevention checklist

• Check your roof - loose tiles can easily become dislodged during high winds and storms. Apart from the damage caused by falling tiles, the gaps they leave behind could lead to damage to the fabric of the building.
• Ensure your guttering is in a good state of repair and firmly attached to the building. Also make sure they are not clogged up with leaves. Water damage resulting from blocked guttering can lead to flooding and damp problems inside a home. It is also worth checking your chimney for bird nests etc.
• Repair or make safe any gates and fences on your property to protect them against storm damage.
• Inspect any trees on or bordering your property. Long branches can damage your house, windows or outbuildings and greenhouses in high winds. If the trees are not on your property discuss the situation with your neighbours.
• Make sure you know where your main stopcock is and how to switch off your gas, electricity and water if necessary.
• Listen out for further weather warnings on radio and TV - if you think you may be at risk of flood damage call the Environment Agency’s Floodline on 0845 988 1188.
• If you are at risk of flooding, move pets and valuables upstairs if possible and put sandbags in place to try and limit the amount of water entering the property. For further advice on how to prepare for a flood go to the environment agency website at www.environment-agency.gov.uk/floodline
• Check your insurance details to ensure your cover is adequate to cover your home and contents for storm or flood damage make sure you keep all insurance details somewhere safe.