What to do before, during and after a storm

A clear plan can save lives. Know exactly how to act during each phase of a weather emergency.

Before: preparation (24-72h ahead)

  • Follow IPMA (Portuguese weather service) warnings at ipma.pt and ANEPC (Civil Protection) at prociv.gov.pt
  • Check and complete your emergency kit
  • Charge ALL devices: phones, power banks, rechargeable torches
  • Fill bathtub and containers with water
  • Bring in clothes lines, plant pots and loose objects from outdoors
  • Park car in a safe spot (away from trees, walls, utility poles)
  • Close shutters, blinds and windows. Reinforce with tape in an X pattern
  • Identify the safest room in the house (interior, no windows)
  • Keep cash on hand (ATMs may be down for days)
  • Inform family members of the plan and meeting point
  • Unplug sensitive electronics. Use surge protectors
  • Stock up on fuel for the car and generator
  • Cook meals in advance (no electricity afterwards)
  • Check that home insurance is up to date

During: protection

  • STAY INDOORS (only leave if your safety is at risk)
  • Stay away from windows, glass doors and skylights
  • Turn off gas if you smell it or if the house is damaged
  • If power goes out, switch off the main breaker (prevents surges when power returns)
  • Use torches. NEVER use candles near potential gas leaks
  • Keep a battery-powered radio on for official updates
  • If driving, stop in a safe location away from trees and utility poles
  • Avoid basements and ground floors in flood-prone areas
  • DO NOT cross flooded areas (15 cm of flowing water can knock down an adult, 30 cm can sweep away a car)
  • DO NOT touch fallen wires or utility poles
  • Call 112 ONLY for real emergencies (lines will be overloaded)
  • If the house suffers structural damage, GET OUT immediately
  • Shelter under a sturdy table or in a doorframe during extreme winds

After: recovery

  • Check for structural damage BEFORE entering buildings
  • Photograph and video ALL damage (for insurance and aid claims)
  • DO NOT touch fallen power lines. Call 112
  • Check gas and water pipes before use
  • Discard food from a fridge that has been without power for more than 4 hours
  • Discard frozen food that has been without power for more than 24 hours
  • DO NOT drink tap water until authorities confirm it is safe
  • Contact your insurer as soon as possible
  • Register on municipal support platforms
  • Help vulnerable neighbours (elderly, those with reduced mobility)
  • Watch out for scams. Verify the identity of anyone offering "repairs"
  • Document all emergency expenses (for reimbursement and aid)
  • Have the roof and structure inspected by a professional before the next rainfall

Useful numbers during a storm

Always keep these accessible:

DO NOT drive during storms

If you are on the road when a storm hits: