Heavy rainfall to hit Denmark, potential for 100-year event: Here’s how to prepare

Are you longing for sun and summer? Well, forget about it – at least for the next 24 hours. As of Friday evening, Denmark will be hit by a heavy rainfall that could locally produce more than 80 millimeters of rain, potentially causing a 100-year event until and through Saturday. The heaviest rain is expected to fall across a wide strip of the country, covering Bornholm, Zealand, the northeastern half of Funen, and all of central Jutland. In these areas, approximately 80 millimeters of rain is expected. The regions furthest north and south will “only” get 25 to 35 millimeters of rain.

So how do you prepare your home and belongings before this rainfall hits? Tue Patursson, an expert in building safety, has some advice. First and foremost, many people forget to close windows and doors before it starts raining. The temperature often rises before a rainfall, and in the eastern part of the country, it can reach up to 22 to 23 degrees, tempting many to let in some fresh air. But it’s important to remember to close them again.

Heavy rain can cause serious headaches for homeowners with basements. Therefore, there are a few things you should prepare in the basement before the rain comes. Make sure to keep drains clear so that water can flow freely. If water has previously come up through the toilet or drains, the building protection expert also recommends blocking the drains.

Before the rain forces you inside, it’s a good idea to go outside and check your home. Check your gutters, as leaves and other debris can block water from draining. If your gutters are too blocked, rainwater ends up along the base of your house, which can cause problems. Be sure to also secure garden furniture and other loose equipment in place. Heavy summer rain can often bring a lot of wind, which can wreak havoc in the garden.

Once the rain has stopped, you should check your home to ensure there’s no damage. It’s a good idea to take your mobile phone with you so that you can document any damage. Photo documentation makes it 100 times easier when you report it to your insurance company. And if you can document everything that has occurred – even while it was happening – it’s a very good idea.