The Met Office has issued a red warning for today (Friday 18 February) meaning extremely strong winds will disrupt transport, damage buildings, and present a risk of harm. Everyone is being urged to stay at home.
Repairs
We will focus on dealing with emergency repairs only. Please be patient as we might not be able to stick to our usual emergency timescales.
Any planned appointments will be cancelled, we’ll call you by 12 noon today to let you know if your appointment is cancelled, and we’ll call you again by the end of next week (Friday 25 February) to agree a new appointment. We won’t be able to give you a new appointment today.
We have asked our contractors to do the same.
If you notice anything unsafe, including fallen trees, please let us know. If you’re reporting any repairs or damage as a result of the storm, please let us know when you report it.
Contacting us
These events put high demand on our phone system so please only contact us if you have an emergency.
You may experience delays on our phone line, so you can also email help@wkha.org.uk or contact us on Facebook and Twitter. We will also keep our phone lines open past our usual opening hours.
Other appointments
We have asked our staff to work from home today. All appointments, including new home sign-ups and tenancy appointments will be cancelled.
Follow the Met Office's advice, so 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 make sure your home contents insurance covers glazing
- Close and securely fasten doors and windows
- Park vehicles in a garage (if available). Otherwise, keep them clear of buildings, trees, walls and fences.
During the storm:
- Stay indoors if you can
- 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 your house through doors in the sheltered side, closing them behind you
- Do not drive unless your journey is really necessary.
After the storm
- Make sure that any vulnerable neighbours or relatives are safe, and help them make arrangements for any repairs.