Getting your home and street ready for autumn storms

Key rules

• Drains: Clear gutters, downpipes and drains before the season, because blocked outlets send water into your home.
• Valuables: Store documents, medicines and electronics high up, and keep copies of key papers in a waterproof bag.
• Barriers: Barriers reduce damage but have limits, so they do not replace moving valuables or following warnings.
• Street drains: Report blocked street drains to your town hall.

Start with the drains and gutters

Blocked drains cause a lot of avoidable damage, so clear them first. Water that cannot leave your roof, terrace or patio backs up and comes inside.

• Clear leaves and debris from gutters, downpipes, and roof and terrace drains.
• Clear balcony and patio outlets. Check that scuppers and sumps are not blocked.
• Check the roof and its waterproofing for cracks or gaps.

If you live in a block of flats, the comunidad de propietarios usually organises work on shared roofs and patios. Ask your administrator when it is planned. Do not wait until the first warning.

Secure what the wind can move

Loose items on balconies, terraces and rooftops can fly off in strong wind. They can also block drains. Secure them or bring them inside: pots, furniture, awnings and bins.

Look at the street outside

Keep the street drains near your home clear of leaves and rubbish. If one is blocked, or a ravine nearby is obstructed, report it to your town hall.

Protect your valuables and electrics

Move documents, valuables, medicines and electronics to upper floors or high shelves. Keep electrics away from the floor.

Keep copies of your ID, passport, insurance policy and property papers, or digital copies, in a waterproof bag. The documents list below shows what to include.

Pack a go-bag. Keep your phones and power banks charged.

If water starts to come in

Switch off the electricity at the main board, but only if you can do it safely and from a dry place. Never touch appliances or sockets while they are wet or while you are standing in water. Unplug appliances if it is safe to do so.

Barriers help, but only so far

Flood barriers and similar protection can reduce how much water enters. They have limits. They will not stop heavy flooding or water rising from below. Do not rely on them instead of moving valuables up and following official warnings.

Use the checklist below to tick off each job. The FAQ answers common questions about shared drains and loose items.

Documents you need

• Copy or digital copy of your ID, kept in a waterproof bag

• Copy or digital copy of your passport, kept in a waterproof bag

• Copy or digital copy of your insurance policy, kept in a waterproof bag

• Copy or digital copy of your property papers, kept in a waterproof bag

Checklist

• Check the roof and its waterproofing

• Pack a go-bag and keep phones and power banks charged

• Unplug appliances and keep electrics away from the floor

Frequently asked questions

Who clears the roof and patio drains in a block of flats?

The community of owners (comunidad de propietarios) usually organises clearing of shared roofs and patios. Ask your administrator when it is planned before autumn. Your own balcony and terrace outlets are normally yours to keep clear.

Who do I tell about a blocked street drain?

Report a blocked street drain or an obstruction in a ravine to your town hall. Do it before the storm season, not once rain has started.

What should I do with loose items on my balcony or terrace?

Secure or remove loose items such as pots, furniture, awnings and bins. In strong wind they can become projectiles or block the drains.

Should I switch off the electricity if water starts to enter my home?

Yes, switch off the electricity at the main board if water begins to enter, but only if you can do it safely and from a dry place.