Farmers issued safety advice ahead of Storm Agnes

Storm Agnes is forecast to hit the UK on Wednesday and Thursday and is the first storm of this storm naming season, which runs from 1^st September until 31^st August every year.

The Met Office warns of damaging winds of up to 75mph in many parts of the UK, with gales of 80mph possible in more exposed areas.

Gusts of 75mph could be strong enough to rip roofing sheets and cladding off rural homes and farm buildings, while fallen trees, branches and debris could cause damage to agricultural vehicles, machinery and livestock. Heavy rain could also lead to localised flooding.

NFU Mutual rural affairs specialist Hannah Binns said: “We know isolated rural communities, farms and dwellings are more at risk from extreme weather and with more storms likely to hit between now and the end of winter, we are urging everyone to plan ahead and take great care if working outside in stormy conditions.

“Safety for farmers, family members and workers should always be the number one priority and while fully understanding the pressures farmers are under, it is vital they avoid taking risks which could lead to injury or fatalities,” she stressed.

Ms Binns urged farmers to stay away from barn doors in windy conditions and to always let someone know where they are working and for how long.

She also encouraged farmers to plan ahead while the weather is calm and designate areas where livestock can be moved to in the even of a flood. This is also the time to carry out any outstanding repairs on buildings, fences and walls.

“It is also worth checking alternative fuel and power sources in case of a power cut or disruption, such as making sure generators are in working condition and able to run at full load for long periods of time,” she added.

Keeping up-to-date with weather warnings is also important, and NFU Mutual has a network of 295 Agency offices who are on standby to progress repairs after the storms, including making emergency payments and settling simpler claims immediately.

“We also work closely with loss adjusters specialising in agriculture, so we are able to quickly deploy people who understand your farming businesses,” Ms Binns assured.

Protecting yourself and your farm in a storm

To help farmers take the necessary precautions as the storm season gets underway, NFU Mutual has issued advice on what to do before, during and after a storm.

Before the storm 

• Stay alert for Met Office weather warnings.
• Regularly inspect your farm and keep on top of maintenance by carrying out necessary repairs to buildings, fences and walls whilst the weather is calm.
• Check that tiles, slates, and roofing sheets are in place and put away any items that cannot be secured.
• Avoid being near barn doors if there are high winds.
• Make sure gutters are not leaking and are clear of leaves and other debris.
• Protect and lag water pipes in vulnerable areas and know where the water supply is so that you can turn it off in the event of burst pipes.
• Ensure you have a good tree inspection programme in place, paying particular attention to trees bordering buildings, roads, railway lines and rights of way.
• Prepare for power cuts: have torches and batteries to hand and make sure any generators are ready to use, and can run at full load for long periods of time, if required.
• Plan evacuation routes to get staff and livestock to safety in the case of extreme weather such as floods – identify higher ground that you can move livestock to in event of flooding.
• Have your insurer’s emergency helpline available. Call NFU Mutual’s 24-hour commercial helpline freephone number on 080028265.

During the storm

• Do not leave the house or make journeys unless absolutely necessary.
• If you need to leave the house, avoid the sheltered side of walls when walking.
• If journeys are essential, drive slowly and carefully, staying aware of high winds on exposed roads and ice and water on the road.
• Do not attempt emergency repairs during the storm.
• Keep all building doors and windows closed.

After the storm 

• Be aware after a storm or weather event, power cables or powerlines may have been brought down.
• Do not enter any buildings that could be unsafe following a storm.
• Report any damage to NFU Mutual as soon as possible.