This winter, my plants have have had a real bashing from the strong gale force winds but because I staked most of the ones that needed support, I have been lucky.
However, there is always the odd one that despite having been staked, gets snapped off by the wind.
This does not mean that the plant must be pulled out - simply prune off the broken piece and it will send out new shoots in a short while.
The correct way to stake a plant is to tie it to the stake in a figure of eight - that means taking the cord around the plant stem then crossing each end over the other before securing it to the stake.
This supports the plant without strangling the stem.
Many people just tie the plant tightly to the stake and this is not a good idea as it can stop the plant from developing as it should.
Also, the type of cord used is important - I use old stockings as they can stretch and do not harm the plant stem.