Those worried about the potential impact of floods and storms on their property should take precautions before poor weather hits, one home insurance firm has urged.
Halifax, the UK's third largest home insurance provider, explained that there are a number of steps people can take if they are concerned about damage to their house .
These included placing sandbags outside doors, windows and airbricks to minimise the amount of water entering a property, unplugging electrical items and storing them upstairs and turning off the mains supply of utilities .
Anyone facing strong winds should secure objects such as bikes and garden furniture which can become dangerous in a gale and check external light fittings are secure.
Doing so should help people reduce the chance of having to make a home insurance claim, the firm said.
However, people should keep the details of their home insurance provider close to hand in case the worst does happen, Halifax concluded.
Yesterday, Moneysupermarket.com said that anyone living in a flood prone area should ensure that they have a good quality home insurance policy in place.




