‘Serious hazard’ alert as 130kph Storm Eowyn gusts to send trampolines flying – here’s how to secure garden

AS STORM Eowyn thunders towards Ireland and Met Eireann place every county under red weather warnings, homeowners are being urge to take precaution.

Thousands are being asked to ensure they take immediate safety precautions to ensure all garden furniture is secure – particularly trampolines.

Dublin Fire Brigade

Garda Press Office

Any loose outdoor items can lead to potentially dangerous situations or costly damages as gusts of over 130km/h hit every county.

Misplaced trampolines seem to be a feature of almost every storm Ireland is hit by – and people have been urged to keep them from taking flight as Ireland is hit by the “rare” weather event heading in from the Atlantic.

Met Eireann yesterday placed every single county under a Status Red warning, with the UK Met Office this morning confirming that the six counties will also be slapped with the red alert.

The weather boffins warned of “one of the most severe storms Ireland has ever seen” as vicious Storm Eowyn prepares to make impact tonight.

Homeowners are now being warned to take precaution over any potentially hazardous items left outside or unsecured.

Dominic Lumsden, spokesperson for Peopl Insurance, said: “Garden furniture and trampolines can become serious hazards during storms if left unsecured.

“We’ve seen cases where trampolines have been blown onto roads, train tracks, or even electricity lines during extreme weather.

“A flying trampoline or piece of furniture can cause significant damage to your own property or your neighbour’s—and it’s entirely preventable.

“If you can’t store your garden furniture indoors, securing it with sandbags or heavy-duty ties is essential.”

The insurance company has also reminded homeowners to review their own insurance policies when it comes to outdoor furniture.

They advise this as often, outdoor furniture is not covered.

He added: “While most home insurers cover damage from storms, this may be limited to structures like sheds and outbuildings, and not extend to garden furniture.

“Some policies only cover outdoor furniture if the damage is linked to theft attempts.”

Peopl Insurance has shared advice for homeowners in preparation for extreme gusts, emphasising that all trampolines and garden furniture should be secured or stored away.

Homeowners should inspect their roof for any loose tiles, flat roofs or damaged chimneys that could lead to more issues.

The experts advised people to trim any trees near their home to avoid loose branches flying off.

Homeowners should also clear any gutters and drains to avoid blockages that can lead to flooding in heavy rain.

Those who are in flood prone areas have been urged to invest in barriers or sandbags.

Use sealants or varnishes to protect external walls and windows against water ingress to waterproof the home.

And the experts advised to insure your home and its contents are adequately insured to avoid underinsurance issues.

‘AVOID COSTLY REPAIRS’

Lumsden added: “By taking proactive steps now, homeowners can avoid costly repairs and reduce the risks associated with Storm Eowyn.

“Make sure that your home insurer is aware that you have a flat roof – and after that, check the conditions in your home insurance policy around flat roofs.

“Your insurer could refuse to cover damage caused to or by a flat roof – particularly if your roof is over a certain size or age, or made of certain construction materials, and if you do not regularly maintain it.

“Some home insurers don’t cover you for storm or flood damage if your flat roof is more than ten years old and made of torched-on felt – or if your roof is made of any other felt and is more than five years old.

“Your insurer might also refuse to cover you if you don’t get your flat roof maintained by a qualified roofer or builder at least every five years.”

PA:Press Association