Storm Ciaran: What to do to keep yourself and your home safe from 100mph winds

People are being warned to be prepared for the brutal impacts of Storm Ciaran which is set to hit the UK in a matter of hours.

The Met Office has issued several danger to life warnings to the areas expected to be hit the worst with the peak of the storm due to hit from Thursday morning.

The agency said that a scattering of areas across the country should anticipate extreme wind and rain.

Now the Government has issued the stark warning saying that people should keep up to date with weather and flood warnings following the deaths caused by Storm Babet.

Areas most at risk include Essex, Kent, London, both the south and west coast and Wales.

But what exactly should you be doing to make sure your safe in the storm? Express.co.uk has taken a look at the latest advice on keeping yourself and your home safe.

What should I do to keep myself safe?

Ben Lukey, flood duty manager at the Environment Agency, is urging people to stay safe, especially those who live by the sea.

“Flooding of low-lying coastal roads is also possible and people must avoid driving through flood water, as just 30cm of flowing water is enough to move your car," he said.

He added people should check their flood risk, sign up for free flood warnings and keep up to date with the latest situation here.

Local authorities are also warning of the following:

• Stay indoors as much as possible.
• Avoid riversides and coastal paths, piers and promenades.
• If you do go out, try not to walk or shelter close to buildings and trees.
• Keep away from the sheltered side of boundary walls and fences - if these structures fail, they will collapse on this side.
• Do not go outside to repair damage while the storm is in progress.
• If possible, enter and leave your house through doors in the sheltered side, closing them behind you.
• Open internal doors only as needed, and close them behind you.
• Take care when driving on exposed routes such as bridges, or high open roads, delay your journey or find alternative routes if possible.
• Slow down and be aware of side winds, particular care should be taken if you are towing or are a high sided vehicle.
• Do not drive unless your journey is really necessary
• Be careful not to touch any electrical/telephone cables that have been blown down or are still hanging
• Do not walk too close to walls, buildings and trees as they could have been weakened
• Make sure that any vulnerable neighbours or relatives are safe and help them make arrangements for any repairs.

How should I secure my home?

With 100mph gusts expected, your garden furniture and home could be damaged.

It's important to take the following steps before the peak of the storm hits:

• Secure loose objects such as bins, ladders, garden furniture or anything else that could be blown into windows and other glazing and break them.
• Close and securely fasten doors and windows, particularly those on the windward side of the house, and especially large doors such as those on garages.
• Park vehicles in a garage, if available; otherwise keep them clear of buildings, trees, walls and fences.
• Close and secure loft trapdoors with bolts, particularly if roof pitch is less than 30°.
• If the house is fitted with storm shutters over the windows then ensure that these are closed and fastened.
• If chimney stacks are tall and in poor condition, move beds away from areas directly below them.