As parts of the UK assessed the devastation caused this week as the tail-end of Hurricane Katia swept over the land, property owners were reminded how important it is to renew home insurance policies and ensure they provide strong and thorough cover.

Winds whipped up to a staggering 80mph, battering large areas of Britain and leaving a trail of destruction and chaos. A large number of homes were badly hit, causing extensive damage and sending a stark warning to property owners that they must make sure their home insurance policies are up to date.

Whether a young family with home insurance for a relatively new property, or an elderly couple with over 50s home emergency cover for their long held family home, the havoc wreaked by this latest natural disaster highlights the need to double check home insurance policies provide the maximum possible protection.

After it was announced the damage wrought by Hurricane Katia would cost the UK in excess of £100M, advice and guidance was issued on ways home owners could take action to protect themselves and their property from the ravages of powerful storms in the future.

First, securing strong home insurance that includes buildings and contents cover is imperative. This will give home owners the peace of mind that should their property suffer any damage they will be covered for the costs of repair. Elderly property owners should inquire in house insurance quotes online with Castle Cover

A thorough examination of the home exterior should be carried out from top to bottom. Any kind of existing damage or disrepair should be fixed immediately. During harsh weather conditions, like powerful storms or the cold and ice of winter, the smallest crack or slightest gap can worsen speedily to become a major weakness in the building structure.

It pays to take a really close look at the roof, which obviously sustains the hardest hits during adverse weather conditions. Ensure all roof tiles are firmly and safely secured, fixing any loose ones. Look out for signs of structural decay, badly corroded nails and failing mortar joints. If found amend them.

A leaning roof stack or damaged and crumbling brickwork around chimneys can be extremely dangerous during a storm and should be repaired straight away to prevent debris falling in strong winds.

What should a home owner do if a storm is definitely on its way? Securely fasten all windows and doors to the house, put the car safely in the garage and remove any garden objects that may be wind-carried and cause damage during the storm and place them in a shed or garage.

After the storm a property owner may need to claim on their home buildings and/or contents insurance or their over 50s home emergency cover. If this is the case, the property owner should photograph and list every last piece of damage and contact their home insurance provider.

UK home owners can learn from the devastation caused by Hurricane Katia and let it serve as a reminder to renew and strengthen their home insurance policies.