Surviving Stormageddon

The apocalyptic storm St. Jude is forecast to batter the south of England tonight and tomorrow potentially causing damage across Southampton. Make sure you’re savvy on the precautions you can take to minimise damage.

Here at the Soton Tab we’ve scoured the interwebs for tips and tricks you can take to limit the damage to you and your student hovel.

Before:

• If you’ve got ladders, chairs or anything outside, either secure them or take them inside as they could blow into windows.
• Close and securely fasten doors and windows, and especially garage or shed doors if you have them.
• If you’ve got a car try to keep it clear of any buildings, trees, walls and fences.
• Charge your phone up in case you need to make an emergency call.
• Don’t leave washing on the line outside.
• Take your bins off of the street and lay them flat, so they don’t blow over and damage cars or houses.
• The chance of a blackout is considered a possibility so have torches with full batteries ready.

During:

• Stay indoors as much as possible.
• If you do go out, try not to walk close to or shelter under buildings and trees.
• If possible, enter and leave your house through doors on the sheltered side.
• Open inside doors only as needed, and close them behind you.
• If you have a car do not drive unless it’s really necessary.
• If you’re already outside when lightning strikes, find a low spot away from trees, fences, and poles.
• IF YOU GET STRUCK: your skin will tingle and your hair will stand on end. Crouch down, balancing on the balls of your feet, placing hands on knees with head between them. This makes you into the smallest target possible, and minimises contact with the ground.
• If there is any damage to your house, don’t attempt to fix it. Call your landlord, after all, that’s what they’re there for.

Advice in Hartley Library.

REMEMBER to stay safe and make sure you’re a Soton Stormageddon Survivor, it’d definitely be one to tell the grandkids. Tweet us your storm stories and photos @SotonTab.