Storms: how to prepare and what to do during the weather
Updated · 6 min read
New here? Start with our overview of home readiness: what to have ready, and why.
Extreme weather events are becoming more frequent and more severe, and they can affect all or part of the country.[6] Dangerous weather can also put the emergency services under so much pressure that help reaches you later than usual.[3] That is why it pays to get most things ready before the weather hits. It takes little time, and it brings peace of mind.
In short: Secure or remove loose objects, charge your phone, and have light ready in case the power goes. Follow the authorities' updates, and take care if you have to go out.[1]
How DMI issues warnings
DMI, the Danish Meteorological Institute, warns of dangerous weather in three categories. For wind, category 1 is a strong gale, category 2 a storm with a mean wind above 24.5 m/s and category 3 a hurricane with a mean wind above 32.6 m/s.[2] Warnings can be issued up to 36 hours before the weather, and early warnings as much as five days ahead. You find them on dmi.dk, and the early warnings also appear in DMI's app.[2]
If DMI issues a storm or hurricane warning, you should take precautions.[1]
Before the storm
Secure or remove loose objects. Tidy up around the house, remove any loose roof tiles and tie down trampolines and the like.[1]
Make sure your mobile phone and computer are charged, and keep a power bank so you can charge your phone even if the power goes. Have a flashlight or candles ready too.[1] If you take medication regularly, keep a little in stock.[1]
If you use candles, they must stand steadily and well away from curtains, blankets and anything else that can catch fire.[7]
- Secure or remove loose objects
- Tie down the trampoline and the like
- Charged phone and power bank
- Flashlight or lantern ready
- Medication in stock
- Follow DMI's warnings
During the storm
If the authorities advise against unnecessary travel outdoors, postpone or cancel your plans as far as possible. If you have to go out, watch out for roof tiles, branches and other loose objects.[1] If you hear a warning siren, go inside and look for information from the authorities on DR or TV 2.[1]
If you can do so without putting yourself at risk, check on your neighbours.[3] And always think twice about whether a source is trustworthy before you share information with others.[1]
If the power goes, read how to manage a power cut and how long food keeps in the fridge and freezer.
Never use a grill or a generator, including petrol-powered ones, indoors. Most fatal carbon monoxide poisonings are caused by, among other things, fires, leaking stoves, and grills and generators used indoors. Carbon monoxide has no smell, taste or colour, and if you are asleep you notice nothing.[8] Early signs are headache, nausea and dizziness. If you suspect it, get away from the source immediately.[8]
If you live far out in the countryside
If you live far out in the countryside, you risk being cut off during a hurricane or a snowstorm.[1] This is where a home emergency kit for at least three days makes the biggest difference. See what it contains in home readiness: how to get your home ready.
Snowstorms
It is generally best to postpone travel during a snowstorm. If you have to go, leave in good time, make sure you have enough fuel and avoid roads that have not been cleared. Bring warm clothes, a little extra food and drink and a fully charged phone in case you get stuck.[4]
If you have elderly relatives who may need help, make sure you can reach each other around the clock.[4]
Storm surges
If you live on the coast or in a low-lying area, keep heavy-duty covering plastic and sandbags at hand, and find out where you can get sandbags.[5] Follow DMI's warnings and the police's updates for your area.[5] If your home floods, do what you can to limit the damage and get the water out as quickly as possible.[5]
Only call 1-1-2 in an acute emergency, so the line stays free for those who need it most.[4]
Ready before the weather hits
See what the authorities recommend your household has ready for three days.
To learn how the authorities warn you, read on here: Warnings: how you're alerted in a crisis
Frequently asked questions
What should I do before a storm hits?
Secure or remove loose objects, tidy up around the house and tie down trampolines and the like. Charge your phone and computer, keep a power bank, and have a flashlight or candles ready in case the power goes.
What do DMI's warnings mean?
DMI warns in three categories. For wind, category 1 is a strong gale, category 2 a storm with a mean wind above 24.5 m/s and category 3 a hurricane with a mean wind above 32.6 m/s. Warnings can come up to 36 hours ahead, and early warnings up to five days ahead.
What should I do during the storm?
Postpone or cancel your plans if the authorities advise against unnecessary travel outdoors. If you have to go out, watch out for roof tiles, branches and other loose objects. If you hear a warning siren, go inside and look for information from DR or TV 2.
What should I do in a snowstorm?
It is generally best to postpone travel. If you have to go, leave in good time, make sure you have enough fuel, avoid roads that have not been cleared, and bring warm clothes, some food and drink and a charged phone.
Sources
- [1]Danish Emergency Management Agency (Beredskabsstyrelsen): Orkaner og stærke storme (in Danish)
- [2]Danish Meteorological Institute (DMI): Varsler om farligt vejr i Danmark (in Danish)
- [3]Danish Meteorological Institute (DMI): Ekstremt vejr (in Danish)
- [4]Danish Emergency Management Agency (Beredskabsstyrelsen): Snestorme (in Danish)
- [5]Danish Emergency Management Agency (Beredskabsstyrelsen): Oversvømmelse fra havet (in Danish)
- [6]Danish Agency for Civil Protection (samsik.dk): Spørgsmål og svar om hjemmeberedskab (in Danish)
- [7]Danish Agency for Civil Protection (samsik.dk): Sådan forbereder du dig (in Danish)
- [8]sundhed.dk, the Danish public health portal: Kulilteforgiftning (in Danish)