Farmers urged to batten down the hatches

FORECAST: Storms today could damage buildings

Britain’s leading agricultural insurer, NFU Mutual, yesterday warned farmers to prepare for the storm in the tail of Hurricane Ophelia.

The insurer put its network of 27 local branches across Scotland and its regional office in Glasgow on standby to help customers.

In a statement the company said that when gales and floods struck it would be able to get to affected customers quickly, making emergency payments, arranging alternative accommodation and getting drying-out and roof repairs under way.

Scotland manager Martin Malone said: “Our network of local offices means we know our customers and are able to come to their assistance very quickly when they are in trouble after weather events like storms and floods.

“When extreme weather strikes, we quickly make contact with all seriously affected homeowners and businesses.

“We make immediate payments of £500 – or more if necessary – and can arrange emergency accommodation for people who are unable to stay in their homes.”

He advised farmers to check for loose roof tiles and gutters which could prevent the storm causing damage to homes and farm buildings.

“Inside it’s well worth having torches and emergency supplies on hand in case power goes off,” he said.

However the NFU Mutual’s rural affairs specialist Tim Price emphasised that farmers should never be tempted to venture out on to roofs or other dangerous structures during storms or heavy snowfalls because of the high risks that could lead to injury or death.

He added: “Farmers are tempted to get up there with ladders or loaders, but it is better to lose a roof than a life.”

In 2011 a huge snowfall across Scotland resulted in the collapse of dozens of steadings and a £70m claims bill for NFU Mutual when many new buildings proved to be unable to cope with the weight of snow on roofs.

The storm also led to the upgrading of construction regulations and new guidelines for tenant farmers who had lost stock or equipment in buildings owned by landlords.

The company said that during Storm Frank in 2015, local agents were able to get through to affected policyholders to get emergency repairs started during widespread flooding and power cuts in Scotland.

Picture: Ron Stephen. A spell of very windy weather is likely early on this morning in association with ex-hurricane Ophelia.