Gale warnings: how to limit damage to your home in France and errors to avoid

Winds of up to 120 km/h are set to batter the south-west of France today (March 20), potentially lasting into the weekend. 

Read more: Gale warnings increase and new storm set to hit south of France in coming days

Currently, two departments in the south-west of France are expected to see a heightened alert for strong winds from 21:00 tonight (Tarn and Haute-Garonne). 

Gales of this force can potentially be devastating and cause serious damage to properties. 

When winds reach over 100 km/h, “the main results of damage are damaged roofs and chimneys,” says French state weather forecaster Météo France. 

To this end, staying out of the direct path of where chimneys may fall or roof tiles may fall is advised. 

Other advice includes: 

• Keeping informed about weather events (both locally and through the Météo France website) 

• Not going outside during the worst of the winds

• Watching out for falling trees or other debris (both coming towards you and potentially falling onto your home) 

• Preparing your property for the storm

In terms of the latter, bringing outdoor furniture and other objects (bins, trampolines, flower pots) inside to prevent it blowing away – potentially causing damage to your property or someone else’s – is recommended. 

If it is too heavy to bring in or you do not have the space, an alternative is to tie these objects down. 

You should also park your car in a safe location; inside a garage is best, but if not it should be out of harm’s way of any falling trees. You can also cover it with blankets to protect from falling debris. 

When alerts increase, stay home 

As of midday, the most severe warnings in place are tier-three orange alerts. 

However, one higher level – a tier-four ‘red’ alert – is possible. 

When levied, residents should take the highest caution, and stay indoors except for genuine emergency situations. 

Read more: What to do - and not do - in a red or orange weather alert in France

If caught outside, you should get home (or into shelter) as quickly as possible.

If in your vehicle, under no circumstances should you keep driving. 

Avoid parking under trees, electricity pylons, and other objects that may fall. 

Read more: Storms in France: what to do if at home, out walking or in car

Action to take after the storm 

Unlike certain other weather events, damage from storms does not require declaration of a catastrophe naturelle in the area to make an insurance claim. 

Check your policy carefully to ensure you have cover for most storm issues that take place. However, damage to exterior areas such as gardens is not usually standard, and may only be covered under a more comprehensive policy.

If combined with storms, certain damage may need a lightning certificate from Météo France to prove the exact conditions at the time of the incident. 

Read more: How do I get a ‘lightning certificate’ for French home?