Storm Season Is Coming: How to Prepare Your Home
A bit of preparation now can save you a lot of stress when the next big storm arrives.
When the weather forecast starts showing red warnings and the wind picks up outside your window, there's a familiar knot of anxiety that comes with living in Ireland. We've all been there - watching the trees bend, hoping the bins stay put, and wondering if that loose roof tile is finally going to take flight.
Storm season isn't just something that happens to other people. Over the past two decades, Ireland has faced increasingly severe weather events that have caused widespread damage, left hundreds of thousands without power, and cost hundreds of millions in repairs. The good news? A bit of preparation now can save you a lot of stress (and money) when the next big storm arrives.
Let's look at what past storms have taught us and, more importantly, what you can do right now to protect your home.
Ireland's Biggest Storms: What We've Learned
Ireland has seen its fair share of memorable storms in recent years. Here's a quick look at some of the most significant:
Storm Darwin (February 2014) brought wind gusts of up to 147 km/h and caused widespread power outages across the country. Fallen trees blocked roads, roofs were damaged, and thousands of homes were left in the dark for days.
Storm Ophelia (October 2017) remains one of the most damaging storms in recent memory. Three people tragically lost their lives, over 360,000 homes and businesses lost power, and insurance claims ran into hundreds of millions of euros. The storm brought down power lines, damaged buildings, and served as a wake-up call about the importance of storm preparation.
Storm Darragh (December 2024) caused significant disruption with severe winds battering the west coast. Thousands were left without power, travel was disrupted, and once again, homes suffered damage from falling trees and flying debris.
Storm Éowyn (January 2025) brought the year in with a bang, causing extensive damage across the country and reminding us that severe weather can strike at any time.
The pattern is clear: storms are becoming more frequent and more severe. The damage isn't hypothetical—it's happening to real homes, real families, and costing real money.
How to Storm-Proof Your Home
The best time to prepare for a storm is before the weather warnings start appearing. Here's your practical checklist:
Check Your Roof and Tiles
Walk around your property and look up. Are there any loose or missing tiles? Damaged flashing around the chimney? These small issues become big problems when winds reach 100 km/h. If you spot anything concerning, get it sorted now rather than waiting for a contractor during storm season when everyone's ringing at once.
Clear Your Gutters and Drains
Blocked gutters mean water has nowhere to go except into your walls or foundations. Grab a ladder (safely, mind you) and clear out leaves, moss, and any debris. While you're at it, check that downpipes are securely attached and drains around your property are clear.
Trim Trees and Secure the Garden
Those overhanging branches might provide lovely shade in summer, but they're potential missiles when Storm Whatever-It's-Called arrives. Trim back any branches close to your house, shed, or power lines. Move or secure anything in the garden that could blow away: bins, garden furniture, trampolines, plant pots. If it's not nailed down, assume it'll end up in next door's garden (or through your window).
Check Windows and Doors
Make sure windows close properly and locks work. Consider shutters or boarding for particularly exposed windows. Check door seals and thresholds - water has a funny way of finding the smallest gaps during heavy rain.
Prepare a Power Outage Kit
When storms knock out power lines, you'll be glad you prepared. Stock up on:
- Torches (with spare batteries—check they actually work)
- Candles and matches or a lighter
- Battery-powered or wind-up radio
- Charged power banks for phones
- Non-perishable food and bottled water
- Any medication you need
- Blankets if it's during winter
Know Your Flood Risk
If you live in a flood-prone area, consider additional precautions like sandbags, a sump pump, or water-resistant barriers for doors. Check if your drains can handle heavy rainfall and know where your stopcock is in case you need to shut off water quickly.
Document Your Property
Take photos or videos of your home, garden, and valuables. If you do need to make an insurance claim, having before-and-after evidence makes the process much smoother.
Why Home Insurance Matters
Here's the thing about storm damage: it adds up fast. A few missing roof tiles, water damage to your ceiling, a fallen tree on your car—suddenly you're looking at thousands in repairs.
Standard home insurance typically covers storm damage, including:
- Wind damage to your property structure
- Damage from falling trees or branches
- Water damage from rain entering through storm-damaged roofs or windows
- Damage to outbuildings like sheds or garages
However, not all policies are created equal. Some gaps to watch for:
Flood cover is often excluded or limited in standard policies, particularly if you're in a known flood zone. If flooding is a risk where you live, you'll need specific cover.
Underinsurance is surprisingly common. If your rebuild costs have increased since you first took out your policy, you might not have enough cover. Review your policy annually to make sure the coverage amount reflects current building costs.
Excess amounts vary between policies. Know how much you'd need to pay out of pocket before your insurance kicks in.
Now's the time to dig out your policy documents and actually read them. Check what's covered, what's not, and whether your level of cover still makes sense. If you've done extensions, renovations, or bought expensive items since you last reviewed your policy, you might need to update it.
Resources to Help You Prepare
Want to dive deeper into storm preparation? Have a look at these helpful guides:
- Protecting Your Home During a Storm—practical steps for when the weather warnings arrive
- Preparing for a Power Outage—everything you need to stay safe and comfortable when the lights go out
- Protect Your Home from Severe Winds—specific advice for wind-proofing your property
- How to Drive Safely During a Storm—because sometimes you need to venture out even when the weather's rough
Get Ready Now
Storms are part and parcel of Irish life. We can't control when they'll arrive or how strong they'll be, but we can control how prepared we are. Spending a weekend checking your roof, clearing gutters, and securing loose items could save you thousands in repairs and a whole lot of worry.
Take half an hour today to review your home insurance policy. Make sure your cover is up to date, check what's included (and what's not), and confirm your contact details are correct so your insurer can reach you if needed.
The next storm will come—that's guaranteed. But with a bit of preparation and the right insurance cover, you can face it with confidence rather than worry.
Ready to review your home insurance? Check your policy today and make sure you're properly protected before the next storm hits.
