Storms in Estonia: how to prepare, what to do during a storm, and where to turn in the event of storm damage

Storms are a common natural phenomenon in Estonia, which can cause serious damage to homes, property and people. This article explains how Estonian residents can prepare properly for a storm, what to do to stay safe during a storm, and where to turn if a storm has caused damage.

What is a storm, and when does it become dangerous in Estonia?

Estonia’s climate is known for its variability, but the harshest weather conditions usually hit us in autumn and winter. It is during these seasons that severe storms occur most frequently, so it is worth being particularly well prepared for this period.

A storm is not just strong wind – it is a weather phenomenon that can lead to a number of dangerous consequences. Fallen trees, damage to roofs, flooding and power cuts are typical problems associated with storms, which affect many homes in Estonia. The stronger the wind, the greater the risk to both people and property.

In Estonia, storm warnings are categorised by level. According to the Estonian Weather Service, storm warnings are issued at levels one and two, with a level two warning indicating a significantly more serious threat. According to Kriis.ee, warnings of an approaching storm are issued by the Meteorological Service, the Rescue Board and other official channels, as well as the media. It is therefore advisable to regularly checkthe Meteorological Service’s warnings and the Rescue Board’s announcements – these are the main and most reliable sources of warnings in Estonia.

The question of what to do in the event of a storm in Estoniaoften arises just as the weather begins to take a turn for the worse. It is therefore important to understand, even before a warning is issued, which conditions make a storm dangerous, and to take preventative action.

How to prepare for a storm – a step-by-step checklist

A storm warning in Estonia prompts many people to consider what steps they should take straight away. Fortunately, it is entirely possible to prevent most damage if you act in good time. Here is a practical checklist to help you prepare yourself and your home for a storm.

Outdoors:

• Clear all loose items from the garden – garden furniture, flower pots, tools and other light objects that could be blown away in strong winds and cause damage (if.ee, bta.ee).
• Check the condition of the roof, the gutters and the surrounding trees – broken branches and weakened trees pose a serious threat to both people and property during a storm (bta.ee).
• Park your car in a safe place – not under trees or near building sites where debris might fly (postimees.ee).

At home:

• Close and secure all windows, external doors and garage doors to prevent them from being blown open (if.ee).
• Charge your mobile phone, laptop and spare battery fully before the storm hits – in the event of a power cut, this will be your main means of communication (kriis.ee).
• Make sure you have the following essentials to hand: a torch, drinking water, a first-aid kit and your most important documents (kriis.ee).

The sooner you make preparations, the lower the risk that a storm will cause you serious financial loss or put your family’s safety at risk.

What to do during a storm – staying safe indoors and outdoors

Once the storm is already upon us, the answer is clear: stay indoors and avoid going outside unless absolutely necessary. the recommendations on Kriis.ee, you should stay indoors during the active phase of the storm and not risk going outside unless absolutely necessary.According to

Indoors:

• Stay away from windows and doors – strong gusts of wind may shatter the glass or cause a door to fly open suddenly.
• If there is a power cut, use a torch rather than candles. Candles increase the risk of fire in a situation where it may be difficult for the emergency services to reach you.
• Keep a close eye on official channels – announcements from the Emergency Response Centre and the Estonian Weather Service – to stay informed about the storm’s intensity and path.

If you’re outdoors or in the car:

If you are caught in a storm whilst driving, stop at the first opportunity in a safe place – a car park, at a petrol station or at the side of the road – and stay in your car. According to recommendations from Postimees.ee and kriis.ee, a car is a more reliable shelter during a storm than walking in the open countryside.

Be sure to avoid the vicinity of broken or fallen power lines – they are life-threatening even if they appear to be safe. Do not go near them, and do not let children do so either.

After the storm:

Once the storm has subsided, your natural first instinct is to quickly assess the situation – but before you ring the tradespeople or start assessing the damage, make sure the area is safe.

How to protect your home from storm damage – preventative measures all year round

Prevention is cheaper and more effective than repairing the damage afterwards, and many insurance experts emphasise that homeowners can take specific steps throughout the year to significantly reduce the risk posed by storms.

Roof and guttering maintenance.According to BTA Insurance’s experts, it is worth having your roof checked regularly – particularly before the autumn storm season. Worn roof tiles, loose metal sheeting or weakened fixings can cause extensive water damage in strong winds. Gutters and downpipes should also be cleaned thoroughly, as blockages can cause water to flow where it shouldn’t.

Trees and branches. Dangerous tree branches near homes, cars or power lines are one of the most common causes of damage during a storm. Experts from BTA and Postimees recommend cutting back such branches in good time or, if necessary, removing the whole tree before a storm does it for you – often at the most inconvenient moment and causing greater damage.

Garden structures and smaller buildings. Garden sheds, canopies and other lightweight structures are particularly vulnerable to wind. BTA recommends insuring these structures as well with a proper home insurance policy, as people often forget that they may not be automatically covered under a standard policy.

Checking the terms and conditions of home insurance.In accordance with the advice from IF and BTA, it is worth reviewing your insurance policy from time to time: whether storm damage is covered, under what conditions compensation is paid out, and whether the sum insured corresponds to the actual value of the property.

Storm damage – who should you contact and how do you make a claim?

If a storm has caused damage, the first and most important step is to document it. Before you begin any repair work, take detailed photographs and videos of all the damage. Both If and BTA emphasise that visual evidence is essential when making a claim, and without it, processing the claim may prove difficult.

You should then contact your home insurance provider at the earliest opportunity. If recommends that you seek guidance from your claims handler before starting any repair work, as the insurance company may wish to inspect the damage itself. Keep all receipts and invoices relating to storm damage – you’ll definitely need them when processing your claim. It is also worth reviewing your insurance policy: check the excess amount and exactly which types of damage are covered, as the terms and conditions can vary significantly between insurers.

In an emergency – for example, if the roof has been dangerously damaged, a tree has fallen on a house, or some other immediate danger has arisen – contact the Rescue Board. According to Kriis.ee, the Rescue Board is the authority to contact for resolving dangerous situations caused by storms. In the event of a power cut, notify your local electricity network operator (e.g. Elektrilevi or another local company) so that the fault can be rectified as quickly as possible.

By acting swiftly and systematically, claiming compensation for storm damage is considerably easier and less stressful.

Frequently asked questions

Q: When is a storm considered dangerous in Estonia, and how can I find out about it?
A: The Estonian Weather Service defines the criteria for a dangerous storm in its official warning levels – you can find the exact threshold values and warning conditions, updated regularly,on the Estonian Weather Service’s warning page and the Rescue Board’s website. The Estonian Weather Service and the Rescue Board issue storm warnings via official channels. It is advisable to monitor these regularly, particularly during the autumn and winter seasons, when storms are most common in Estonia.

Q: How should you prepare for a storm, and what should you include on your checklist?
A: Before the storm arrives, make sure there are no loose items in your garden that could be blown away by the wind, and secure garden chairs, flower pots and other movable items. Keep a torch, spare batteries, drinking water and a first-aid kit to hand in case the power goes out. Be sure to check your roof and any trees around your property as well – weak branches or a damaged roof can cause significant damage during a storm.

Q: What should you do during a storm if you are outdoors or in a car?
A: If you are outdoors during a storm, avoid the vicinity of trees, power lines and billboards, as these are the main sources of danger. If you are in a car, pull over to a safe spot and wait until the wind dies down – it is particularly dangerous to drive on high bridges or open roads in strong gusts of wind. Try to take shelter in a stone building, or park your car in an open car park away from trees and buildings.

Q: How can I protect my home from storm damage all year round?
A: To protect your home from storms, it is important to regularly check the condition of your roof, have your rainwater drainage systems cleaned, and prune back large and weak tree branches before autumn. Check that windows and doors close tightly and, if necessary, seal them to prevent water from getting in during a storm. Preventative measures are significantly cheaper than repairing storm damage afterwards.

Q: Who should I contact in the event of storm damage, and how do I make a claim?
A: If a storm has caused damage to your home or property, the first thing you should do is contact your home insurance provider and report the incident as soon as possible. Document all the damage with photos and videos before any repair work begins – this is essential evidence when making a claim. If the damage has been caused by a neighbour’s tree or a third party’s property, the issue of liability may be more complex, and it is advisable to seek legal advice from a specialist.

Quick response

What should you do during a storm in Estonia?During a storm, stay indoors, away from windows and doors, and avoid going outside. Keep an eye on warnings from the Weather Service and keep your mobile phone charged so that you can call for help if necessary.

How can you prepare for a storm in Estonia? Make sure you have a torch, emergency food, water and spare batteries, and secure any outdoor items that could be blown away by the wind. Make sure you have a list of important telephone numbers and that your car’s fuel tank is full.

Who should you contact in the event of storm damage in Estonia? Tormikahjude korral helista häirekeskusesse numbril 112, kui on oht elule või property. To claim on your insurance and receive other assistance, please contact your insurance company and your local authority.

Summary

It is worth preparing for a storm before the weather becomes dangerous. Check your home and garden, keep an eye on official weather warnings, and make sure you have the necessary supplies and means of communication to hand. If a storm has caused damage, document the situation and, if necessary, contact your insurance provider, the electricity network operator or the emergency services.

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Sources:

• What should you do in the event of a storm? — The Met Office, the Emergency Services and other official channels issue warnings about an approaching storm; this page provides an overview of safety requirements and guidelines on how to behave during stormy conditions.
• What to do before a storm to protect yourself and your property — IF Practical advice from insurers on preparing for extreme weather conditions, and explanations of home insurance terms and conditions in the event of storm damage.
• Storm damage is on the rise: how to protect your home and property from storms— expert advice from BTA Insurance on protecting your home from storms, along with an overview of preventative measures and insurance cover options.
• A storm is approaching: how can you prepare for it? — An article on the Postimees home page about storm warnings and preparations.

Please check the contact details and advice provided independently against official sources (e.g. the Rescue Board, the Meteorological Service), as storm conditions and related guidance may change rapidly.