DS Risk Warning: Weather

Subject: DS Risk Warning: Weather

8th February 2020

 

Hello all,

I have cleaned my glasses so hopefully this upgraded warning will relate to the right storm name!

The Met Office have upgraded their risk level to Amber and are now warning that:

Storm Ciara will bring a spell of very strong winds. Disruption to travel is likely during Sunday.

What to expect
Flying debris could lead to Injuries or danger to life
Some damage to buildings, such as tiles blown from roofs expected
Longer journey times and cancellations, as road, rail, air and ferry services affected
Some roads and bridges closed
Power cuts with the potential to affect other services, such as mobile phone coverage
Injuries and danger to life from large waves and beach material being thrown onto sea fronts, coastal roads and properties

Further details
Widespread very strong winds will affect much of England and Wales during Sunday. Gusts of 60-70 mph will occur widely in inland areas and 70-80 mph along southern and western coasts. Heavy rain will accompany the strong winds leading to very poor driving conditions. The winds will slowly ease from the north during the latter part of the afternoon and through the evening.

In the light of this upgrade, if you haven't already, apart from taking precautions at home and reviewing any travel arrangements tomorrow, how are things at your setting? Is it worth making sure today all is as secure as it can be and 'stuff' that might usually be left out, is brought in or extra protected?

Once the worst of the weather has passed tomorrow afternoon, maybe a site check by a couple of you, so no lone working, to reassure yourselves that nothing has happened that requires remedy and which might cause embarrassment and disruption on Monday morning.

Have you got those essential contactor details to hand, just in case?

Here's some more advice:

Be prepared, stay safe and protect property
Make sure you know what to do

Before the storm

Secure loose objects such as 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 property, 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°

During the storm

Stay indoors as much as possible

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 through doors on 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

After the storm

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

Check things out to see if any remedial work is necessary either by yourselves and/or outside support.

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The best for it.

Bill