How to Prepare Your Home for a Winter Storm​

December 17, 2024 | Nate Cord

If you live in the UK, you’ll know that the winter months can bring with it big storms and freezing temperatures. And if you’re not fully prepared, they can cause incredible damage to your home and garden.

So, if you’re expecting some bad winter weather in the coming weeks/ months, or have been hit with some surprise storms in the past and want to be prepared for the next one, you’re in the right place.

Here are 6 ways you can prepare your home this winter….

1. Weatherproof Your Garden

First things first, think about your garden (if you have one, that is).

Storms bring with them high winds, freezing temperatures and often in winter, heavy snow and ice, which can all cause significant damage to plants, structures, and garden furniture.

Having any loose garden tools or furniture can also be dangerous with strong winds, potentially damaging your and your neighbours home.

So, to avoid any of these things from happening, here are some of our main suggestions:

• Move potted plants into a greenhouse, shed, or inside your home
• Bring in delicate ornaments or try to secure them firmly to the ground to prevent them from being carried away by the wind
• Trim any overhanging trees or branches that could snap off and cause damage

It’s also a good idea to bring any light garden furniture inside or into a shed (chairs, tables, table umbrellas, cushions etc.)

2. Invest in a Backup Home Generator

It’s very common for storms to result in fallen trees, damaged power lines, flooding, or even electrical surges, which will more often than not affect the power supply to homes and businesses in the area.

These power outages can last anywhere from a few hours to several days, depending on the severity of the damage and the time needed for repairs.

The best way you can prepare your home if this were to happen is to invest in a backup generator, as they act as backup power sources, ensuring that you have electricity even when the main power grid is down.

The Different Types of Home Generators

There are 2 main types of backup generators for the home – portable generators, which are ideal for small-scale power needs, and standby generators, which are permanently installed outside your home and automatically turn on during outages when paired with an ATS (Automatic Transfer Switch). Standby generators provide more comprehensive power for your home, compared to their portable counterparts.

Discover more information about backup generators here.

The Best Generator for a Winter Storm​

We have hand selected 3 of the best generators to help you get you through a winter storm:

1. Bluetti AC500 plus B300S Home Battery Backup

The Bluetti AC500 plus B300S Home Battery Backup is a fantastic option for those looking for a clean, quiet, and efficient energy solution if you have a power outage in your home or business.

Whenever the grid goes down, the AC500 system can automatically become your home energy source to keep all your essential loads running without interruption.

It also features an advanced Battery Management System (BMS) and LiFePO4 battery to ensure higher security during operation, longer life cycles, and optimal performance.

2. Hyundai DHY8000SELR Diesel Generator

The Hyundai DHY8000SELR Diesel Generator is another generator that’s incredibly well-suited for home use, due to its large 25L fuel tank, boosting the maximum running time up to 25 hours.

More benefits include:

• Quiet sound rating of just 70dB @ 7 metres
• It is powered by a 4-stroke, air-cooled D452 Hyundai 3000rpm diesel engine
• It is economical to run, using roughly 1L of diesel every hour when running at 50% load

This generator is also automatic transfer switch (ATS) compatible, meaning that when the ATS detects a loss of power from the mains supply, it automatically powers your generator, then shuts it back off when it detects power returning from the mains.

3. Senci SCD9000Q Diesel Generator

The Senci SCD9000Q Diesel Generator is an ideal unit for standby and backup usage for domestic (and small commercial) properties in the event of a mains outage, boasting a EURO V engine providing 6.00kW of continuous power at 230V.

More key features include:

• It’s powered by easy-to-start electric start
• Full closed control panel dustproof and water resistant
• The 15-litre fuel tank allows for longer running periods of up to 15 hours at 50% load
• Circuit breaker cuts off electricity system when overloaded

This generator also features a handy sound reducing canopy to lower the noise level and weighing just 170kg when dry, the SCD9000Q can be moved across solid flat surfaces with four sturdy wheels, making it portable and super easy to position.

Browse our wide collection of generators for home backup here, from a range of reputable brands including Senci, Pramac, Champion and Bluetti.

And if you need any additional help choosing the right generator, give our experts a call on 01639 849847.

3. Insulate Your Pipes

Storms often bring cold temperatures, which puts your water pipes at risk of freezing and potentially even bursting. This happens because the water inside the pipes expands, increasing pressure and causing them to crack or burst.

Not only do frozen and burst pipes disrupt the water supply to your home, but they can also cause significant water damage, including damage to walls, ceilings, floors, and belongings.

This is why it’s really important to insulate your pipes during the winter, to prevent any of these things from happening.

4. Seal Any Window Cracks

Another important thing to consider is the state of your windows.

If you have that one window that won’t close all the way or that has a crack in it, there’s no better time to get the tool kit out and make some repairs in preparation for a storm.

If you have any cracks in your windows, cold air will easily seep in, making it harder to keep your home warm. So make sure you seal these gaps to keep your home comfortable, and also reduce heating costs. It’s a no brainer!

5. Clear Gutters and Drains

It’s also a good idea to clear your gutters and drains before a winter storm, as this helps protect your home from potential damage caused by water, ice, and debris.

If there is already heavy debris (like leaves, twigs and ice) weighing down your gutters, this will only get worse during a storm.

Additionally, if there is heavy rain or snowmelt, clogged gutters can overflow and cause water to spill onto walls, windows, or your home’s foundation. Clearing the gutters prior to this heavy rain can reduce the risk of leaks and water damage inside of your home.

Discover how to safely clean gutters using a ladder, here.

6. Have an Emergency Kit Ready

While this isn’t necessarily a tip to protect your home, it’s just as important to mention.

In the event of a really bad storm, it’s important to make sure you have enough emergency supplies. This includes drinkable water, essential food, and first aid items.

It’s also wise to stock up on important medications if a member of your household is treating a long-term medical condition.

And there we have it! We hope this blog has provided you with practical and actionable tips to prepare your home for a winter storm in the UK.

Looking For a Quality Generator This Winter?

At Generators Direct, we offer a range of generators, power stations and power banks for your specific needs this winter.

All of our products are manufactured, tested and certified to industry standards, and come with a price promise – you won’t find prices cheaper anywhere on the web, but if you do, we’ll match them. In addition to this, all orders come with free mainland UK shipping and after sales support from our experts.

If you require additional advice or have a question for our team, don’t hesitate to get in contact with us using this form or via phone at +441639849847. We’d be more than happy to assist you.