Storm Amy hits as families urged to put loo roll near windows to protect home

Storm Amy is steadily sweeping across Britain, having already sparked travel chaos at the weekend's start and prompted a potential 'danger to life' alertfrom the Met Office following thedeath of a man in his 40sduring a weather-related incident in Ireland on Friday. Families are now being advised to safeguardtheir properties as the tempest batters through, using an unexpected household item.

Insurance experts at MoneySuperMarkethave disclosed that toilet paper can assist homeowners in storm-proofing their dwellings by exposing any fractures, draughts and openings that might allow the storm to penetrate. By positioning the loo roll near windows and doors, it can function as a draught identifier.

Insurance specialist Kara Gammell told MEN: "Hold a strip of loo roll near windows and doors. If it flutters, you've got a draught. Filling air gaps not only keeps you warm, it can also ward off damp and mould.

"A common misconception is that your home is only at risk from flooding if you live beside the water, when in fact, a quarter of flooding occurs in areas that are formally designated as being outside of flood risk zones.

"Figures suggest that there are 6.3 million properties at risk of flooding in the UK. With the average cost of flooding to a home estimated at around £30,000, if you don't have insurance, the financial cost could be life changing."

Storm Amy is set to batter the UK with three Amber warnings for wind issued on Friday, sparking fears of power cuts, travel chaos and even a risk to life. The Met Office has warned that the stormy conditions will persist until 11:59pm on Saturday, October 4.

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Met Office chief forecaster Neil Armstrong stated: "Storm Amy will be an impactful autumn storm for many in Scotland and Northern Ireland, though impacts will also spread to northwest England and Wales, as well as a more widespread windy period for the rest of the UK.

"Within the Amber warning areas, damaging gusts of around 100 mph are possible for a time on Friday evening for parts of western Scotland, especially Skye, Tiree, Barra and western Lochaber. This could lead to significant disruption, and brings the risk of power cuts and damage to buildings and trees.

"Elsewhere, gusts of 60-80 mph are expected more widely in the Amber warning areas, and slightly lower figures for those covered by Yellow warnings."

As the storm rages on, Gammell offered some advice on how households can best safeguard themselves and their homes, particularly those with loose items in their gardens. By keeping a vigilant eye on your garden decor, you may be able to act before your furniture takes flight.

She advised: "If your garden gnome topples over in a light breeze, consider it a warning. Secure furniture, trampolines and plant pots that could be blown away by winds or damaged by rain."

The expert also suggested people inspect their surrounding gutters and drainage systems: "Remove fallen leaves, moss, and debris to prevent blockages that can lead to water damage and a potential denied claim, due to lack of maintenance."