Extreme weather phenomena are multiplying in our regions and can cause considerable damage: storms, heavy rain, thunderstorms or hailstones. Damaged roofs, destroyed vehicles or flooded cellars... The consequences are often expensive and can represent a real danger. By adopting suitable preventative measures and taking considered action before, during and after these events, you can protect your property and significantly reduce the risks.
In Luxembourg, thunderstorms and hailstone episodes can be a real challenge. The events of the past 20 years clearly illustrate that lines of thunderstorms (“squall lines”) that form quickly, often bring strong wind, heavy rain, lightning and hailstones simultaneously. Storm “Bernd” in July 2021 caused severe flooding in several regions, in particular in the Grund district of Luxembourg City, in Mersch, Echternach and Clervaux, submerging streets and cellars. In 2019, a tornado swept across Pétange and Bascharage, causing damage to over 100 homes. Since 2018, violent hailstorms in the regions of Diekirch and Ettelbrück have caused extensive damage. These examples highlight the unpredictable and destructive nature of extreme weather phenomena in Luxembourg.
Key steps to take prior to bad weather
Extreme weather events can cause considerable damage to buildings, vehicles and infrastructure. Even if the State invests in crisis prevention and management, the protection of your house, vehicles and your family remains, above all, your responsibility. Advance preparation is therefore strongly recommended.
Home prevention
Inspect your roof, façade and windows regularly to detect any potential weak points and favour the use of resistant materials if necessary. Equally protect your solar panels. Avoid installing electrical equipment or heating systems in cellars and use waterproof materials to limit damage in the event of a flood.
Protection against heavy rain and backflow flooding
Install non-return valves to prevent sewage backflow, watertight windows in the cellar, high-performance pumps and an optimised evacuation system. You can find more advice in our article “Flood prevention: what to do in case of heavy rain”.
Preventative measures against storms
- Firmly secure mobile objects such as rubbish bins, bikes and plant pots
- Prune trees regularly to prevent falling branches
- Bring in your garden furniture, trampolines and any lightweight objects that could be picked up by the wind
Hailstone preventative measures
- Bring pets inside when there is a hailstone warning
- Park vehicles in a garage or under a covered shelter
- Protect glazed surfaces, verandas and skylights, with suitable tarpaulins or, where necessary, use bed sheets or cardboard as a temporary protective measure
Electrical safety and lightning protection
A lightning conductor, power surge protection devices and electrical safety solutions allow you to protect your equipment and your means of communication even in the event of extreme weather conditions.
Alerts and information:
- LU-Alert SMS: Alert messages come through automatically by text, based on your geographical area, and do not require a subscription
- MeteoLux: Check the weather and warnings on the website, or sign up to receive weather forecast notifications by e-mail
- LU-Alert: Install the app on your phone (Apple App Store / Google Play Store) to receive warning notifications in advance
- InfoCrise: Consult the Infocrise website to find out about the Luxembourg government’s emergency plans
- Inondation.lu: Follow, in real time, the level of watercourses and the flood risk in Luxembourg
The emergency kit
A complete kit should include: a first-aid kit, a torch, an external battery, water, candles, sandbags and a protective box for documents. A complete list is available on the Luxembourg government’s Infocrise website.
Insurance and state support
Start by checking your insurance policies to confirm that damage associated with storms, hailstones and heavy rain is covered. With easyPROTECT Home, you are insured for these risks. For enhanced protection, you can supplement your policy with the Outdoor arrangements pack, which covers damage to garden furniture, damaged plants and repairs to underground pipes, following an event. You also have the option to add the Green energy appliances pack, which covers installations such as solar panels, heat pumps or wind turbines, thus enabling you to safeguard your investments.
You should also check that your car insurance covers hailstone damage. Within the easyPROTECT Auto range, most packages include protection against forces of nature. To be sure of your cover, you can contact your LALUX agent.
The State also offers support, in particular for flood prevention, with a view to helping individuals and businesses to secure their buildings and outside areas. You can find more advice in our article “Flood prevention: what to do in case of heavy rain”.
Advance measures make it possible to reduce damage considerably and guarantee your family’s safety. Use the information available, reinforce your house and check your precautionary measures regularly.
During the storm, take the right action
- Stay inside
- Avoid forests, open spaces and bodies of water
- Close windows, doors and shutters to limit damage
- Unplug electrical appliances if there is a risk of a lightning strike
- Protect valuable objects by keeping them on upper floors if flooding is possible
- Only call 112 in a real emergency to ensure the emergency services can respond quickly
After the storm: what should you do?
Once the event has passed, stay calm. Damage often only becomes visible once the rain or hailstorm has subsided.
Prioritise safety
Never go into a damaged building until all risk of falling roof tiles, branches or electrical lines has passed. Turn off the electricity and gas before entering a flooded cellar.
Documenting the damage
Take pictures or videos of the damage to the roof, façade, windows, interior and vehicles. Note the time, the duration and the intensity of the event for your insurance company.
Temporary protection
Cover damaged roofs or windows with tarpaulins, carefully remove debris and protect furniture and electrical appliances from damp.
Calling in the professionals
Contact the fire service in the event of imminent danger and call in professionals to secure your home. Have your electrical installations checked by an expert.
Documents to provide to your insurance company
Notify your insurance company of the damage quickly and attach all necessary documents to create a complete file. These include invoices or proof of purchase for damaged goods, as well as detailed inventories of your furniture, appliances and equipment. Photos or videos of the damage provide precise visual proof and facilitate an evaluation.
Also keep all documents related to emergency measures or temporary repairs: invoices or receipts for buying tarpaulins, pumps, or other equipment acquired following the disaster that was used to reduce the damage, professional interventions for immediate repairs, as well as invoices, statements of fees or reports drawn up by said professionals. If possible, also attach reports drawn up by the emergency services. Try to modify the damaged area as little as possible prior to the assessor’s visit, to allow for an objective evaluation.
Cautious behaviour, complete documentation and the intervention of professionals make it possible to limit the damage and to secure your potential compensation.
Steps towards more security
Extreme weather phenomena are increasingly frequent. With an intelligent combination of insurance cover and preventative measures, you can protect your house and your family effectively. Every action you take today, from documenting your goods to installing an anti-backflow device, saves you time and money, and gives you more peace of mind in the event of a crisis.
Should you have any questions on individual protection measures or the best insurance package for you, contact your LALUX agent, who will provide you with personalised and qualified support.
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