The coming months can bring a real weather earthquake. Experts strike an alarm: summertime storms in 2025 will strike with unprecedented force, bringing with it the hazard of gigantic losses. In 2024, the Institute of Meteorology and Water Management (IMGW) recorded evidence 120 days with advanced strength storms, an increase of over 25% compared to the average of the last decade. These are no longer distant scenarios, and a real threat that can affect any homeowner. Flooded cellars, broken roofs, destroyed properties – the average costs of repairs after drowning in single-family houses already exceed PLN 15,000, and in utmost cases up to PLN 50,000. Is your home ready for this challenge? Action now is not only money savings, but above all the safety of your family. We present the key steps you must take before the first dense rain becomes a disaster.
Roofs and gutters: First line of defence against impact
Your roof and gutter strategy are the key guards of the home against the destructive power of water. Their negligence is simply a simple way to serious damage. Every year thousands of Poles study harm caused by leaking roofs and blocked gutters. It takes a fewer hours of intense rainfall for water to find its way inside, destroying ceilings, walls, and even electrical installations. Start by cleaning thoroughly – remove leaves, branches and any impurities that have accumulated in the gutters and drain pipes. Blocked water flow is simply a warrant of its overflowing and flooding foundations. Then carefully check the tightness of the gutters and their fixing to the facade. Loose elements can be torn off by strong wind, becoming a dangerous missile. The final but equally crucial step is to measure the state of the roof covering. Damaged tiles, cracked papary or leaky sheet metalworking are open doors for water. Remember, repairing insignificant harm now is simply a fraction of the overall cost of repairs after major flooding.
Basement and Ground floor: How to avoid flooding in the heart of the house?
The cellars and the lowest floors are peculiarly susceptible to flooding, especially in the face of rising rainfall intensity, which overload urban sewer systems. The retreating sewers are a nightmare that can be avoided. If you live in a single-family house, an investment in sewage check valves is an absolute necessity. This simple mechanics effectively prevents sewage from moving back to your home erstwhile the network is overloaded. The cost of installing specified a valve is usually between 800 and 1500 PLN – a tiny amount compared to possible losses, which can scope respective or even tens of 1000 PLN for drying and repairing the flooded basement. Additionally, choice up any valuable items, tools and electrical equipment in the basement or on the ground floor. It is besides worth having sandbags on standby. Even a fewer bags strategically arranged at doors or basement windows can be an effective barrier and save the interior from flooding.
Home environment: Minimise the hazard of harm from wind and water
Security of the building itself is 1 thing, but it is equally crucial to organize the area around the property. Violent winds that accompany storms can turn seemingly harmless objects into deadly missiles. In 2023, insurers paid over PLN 250 million in compensation for harm caused by wind, including harm to facades and cars through flying facilities. Remove everything that can be kidnapped from the garden: light garden furniture, pots, trampolines, tools. safe umbrellas and awnings. It is besides crucial to trim branches of trees that hang over the roof or are close the power lines. Falling branches are 1 of the most common causes of harm to roofs and power outages. besides make certain that sewer grates on the driveways, terraces and around the home are expensive. Blocked drains will make water accumulate alternatively of flowing, expanding the hazard of flooding.
Household readiness: Do not underestimate RCB alerts and prepare for the worst
In the face of always more frequent and intense weather phenomena, awareness and preparation of the household are as crucial as physical security. The Government safety Centre (RCB) is sending more and more alerts – in 2024 there were almost twice as many as 5 years ago. Don't underestimate the news! Save and make the 112 emergency number available to all householders. Make certain everyone knows how to proceed in the event of an emergency. The most crucial regulation during the storm alert is: do not leave the home unless absolutely necessary. Avoid entering flooded cellars where electrocution or poisoning may occur. Never go close rivers or streams. Prepare an emergency set: a flashlight with spare batteries, a battery radio (to track messages), a supply of drinking water and food for 2-3 days, as well as the essential medications. This is basic equipment that can prove invaluable in the event of a long-term power failure or isolation.
Insurance: Your financial safety cushion in the face of disaster
Even the most safe home can be affected by utmost weather events. That's why insurance is not luxury, it's necessity. In 2023 alone, Polish insurance companies paid Poles over PLN 1.2 billion in compensation for harm caused by the elements. Make certain your home insurance policy includes harm caused by intense rainfall, storms, hail, strong wind, as well as flooding and flooding. Read the terms carefully to know what is protected and what is not. In the event of damage, it is essential to paper them carefully. Take photos and video of the harm before you change or clean up anything. Then study the harm to your insurer as shortly as possible, following his instructions. A fast and fair notification shall be the basis for the smooth resolution of the harm and payment of the compensation due.
The coming months can bring more violent weather events, which become more intense each year. This is not the time to ignore warnings, this is the time to act. Simple steps taken in advance can reduce the hazard of serious losses by up to 70%, protecting your home from demolition and your household from danger and stress. Remember: prevention is better than saving. safe your home present and sleep peacefully, knowing that you have done everything in your power to face the weather challenges of 2025.
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An urgent appeal to Poles. Storms 2025 will strike with evidence force – safe the house!
