Latvia, like many other countries in the world, faces the growing consequences of climate change. A most obvious manifestation is the increased frequency and strength of gales. Rising air temperature, warming oceans and other climate factors contribute to more intense evaporation of water, which in turn increases precipitation and creates favourable conditions for strong storms. If the wind speed in gusts reaches 21 m/s, it corresponds to the meteorologists’ designation of a strong gale. Storm – wind speed in gusts exceeds 24.5 m/s; violent storm – wind speed reaches 28.5 m/s; hurricane – wind speed exceeds 32.7 m/s.

What should you do when a gale approaches? How do you protect your property to minimise storm damage? How to protect your vehicle while on the road? How to protect the car from hail?

What to do during a gale?

• Stay indoors: If possible, stay indoors during the storm. Broken trees and windblown objects threaten your health and even your life.
• Close windows and doors: Make sure they are tightly closed. Do not stay close to windows, as objects carried by the wind can break them.
• When outside: Avoid moving near trees, billboards, construction scaffolding, metal fences and near buildings with balconies. Do not use an umbrella, as it reduces visibility and catches wind gusts. Do not cross bridges, you can take shelter under them if necessary.
• When in the forest: Go deeper into the thicket to protect yourself from falling branches and trees. Thicker standing trees are more protected against wind damage.
• During gales: Do not ride a bicycle, motorcycle, scooter or electric scooter, get off and park it away from yourself and others. Avoid being in high, open areas or under lone trees in an open field. Do not go by boat or swim during gales.
• Remember about fellow human beings: Make sure that children are indoors. If they do have to go out, they should do so accompanied by parents.

Car safety during a gale. How to prepare a vehicle for a gale?

• Park it in a safe place: If possible, park the car in a closed garage or under a shed. If this is not possible, choose a place protected from trees, electric wires and other objects that could fall.
• Pay attention to the surroundings: Make sure there are no garbage containers, trampolines or other objects nearby that could be blown onto your car by the wind in the event of a strong gale. Unfastened parts of the fence blown over by the wind are one of the most common causes of damage.
• Additional car equipment: Remove the external additional equipment from the car – roof rack, roof tents and other accessories.
• How to protect the car from large hail: If it is not possible to park the car under a roof or in a shed, it is recommended to cover it with shock-absorbing material. It is possible to buy a specially designed car cover or to protect it using thick blankets, reinforced cardboard or other shock-absorbing materials. It is important not to forget that anything you use to protect your car should be properly secured so that the wind does not blow it away. It is essential to remember that parking the car under trees does not protect against strong hail; broken branches can cause additional damage to the car body.

View CASCO insurance options

If you’re on the road

• In strong wind and rain: As visibility decreases, be especially careful of broken branches and windblown objects on the road. Carefully assess the situation before entering flooded areas or deep puddles. If possible, avoid such places.
• In case of heavy hail, if possible, find shelter: Pull into a car park under a roof or into a petrol station. If there is no such option, primarily protect the front glass of the driver’s side; car mats, thick clothing and other available insulating materials can be used for this. Remember to secure everything. You can likewise protect your car from large hail if you stand close to the building, on the leeward side.

Housing. How to prepare housing for a gale?

• Fasten garden equipment and objects on balconies or terraces: Remove all objects that could be blown away from balconies and windowsills. Fasten or bring garden furniture, canopies, grills, trampolines and bicycles indoors. Items that cannot be moved indoors must be firmly fastened.
• Prepare for a possible power outage: Charge mobile phones and torch batteries. Place the necessary items in an easily accessible place. Remember that during power outages, the radio may be the only way to find out what is happening and what the emergency services’ recommendations are for further action.
• Prepare the first aid kit and food: Check whether the medicine cabinet has everything you and your family need. Prepare food that you can cook without using electricity. Gather supplies of potable water and provide a small amount of water for technical needs.
• Check the building structures: Inspect the attic of a private house and make sure that technical hatches or ventilation windows are closed. Ensure that roof gutters are clear of branches and leaves, and properly attached to handle large amounts of water.

View home insurance options

When a gale starts

• Follow the latest information through websites, radio or television: It is important to be informed about what is happening.
• Disconnect electronics from sockets. The electrical devices used today are highly sensitive to mains excess voltage. Even if lightning does not strike a house directly, the electromagnetic pulse it creates can cause permanent damage to electronics, causing significant losses.
• Fire safety during a gale: Use torches in case of power outages. If you use candles, do not leave them unattended.
• Check windows and doors: Make sure all windows and doors are tightly closed. Do not leave the windows in ventilation mode, in case of heavy rain, water will leak indoors.
• Take care of pets: Provide a safe shelter; it is recommended to bring pets indoors or in a shelter. If possible, do not leave them alone.

After the gale

• Be careful: Make certain it is safe to go outside and that there are no upturned structures nearby.
• Inspect the damage: Examine and take a photo if your car or home has incurred damage. If necessary, inform the services in charge.
• Contact BTA: File your indemnity case on the My BTA customer portal.