NFU Mutual shares safety advice ahead of Storm Otto

Storm Otto, named by the Danish Met Office, is set to hit parts of the UK early Friday morning, with rainfall of 40-50mm also likely to affect parts of western Scotland.

NFU Mutual Rural Affairs Specialist Hannah Binns said that while the storm is unlikely to be a repeat of Storms Arwen, Dudley, Eunice or Franklin, farmers should still prepare for high-speed winds and flooding.

“With more than 100 years’ experience of protecting our countryside, we know that lack of shelter leaves isolated rural communities, farms and dwellings more at risk from high-speed gusts and severe weather.

“Previous storms have caused widespread disruption across the UK, bringing down power lines, ripping trees from the ground, damaging buildings, interrupting travel routes and flooding,” sha cautioned.

“As Storm Otto approaches, we are urging farmers to plan ahead and take great care when working outside in stormy conditions.”

NFU Mutual’s network of 295 Agency offices will be on hand during the weather event to help communities progress repairs after the storm, make emergency payments and settle simpler claims promptly.

Ms Binns reminded farmers that their own safety, as well as that of family members and workers should always be the number one  priority. Therefore, it is vital farmers avoid taking risks which could lead to injury or fatalities.

“For farmers working alone, it is important they tell someone where they will be and their expected time back, as well as carry a charged mobile phone while working outside and use the What3Words app to help provide a location in the event of an emergency,” she added.

Some preventative steps farmers can take ahead of the storm include identifying higher ground to move livestock to in the event of flooding as well as making sure there are alternative fuel and power sources on the farm in case of a power cut or disruption.

To help farmers plan ahead, NFU Mutual issued detailed safety advice for protecting farms and its residents before, during and after the 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.
• Don’t enter any buildings that could be unsafe following a storm.
• Report any damage to NFU Mutual as soon as possible.