Christmas may be rapidly approaching, but for many in Scotland and the north of England the hopes for some gentle snowfall to set the Christmas mood have been replaced by fears over what might be as a raging storm with 90mph winds heads towards the UK.
Storm Barbara is expected to reach the UK on Friday and Christmas Eve, prompting insurer
NFU Mutual to issue a winter checklist so that brokers can reach out to their clients and make sure they are well prepared to limit damage and upheaval wherever possible.
“Although we’ve been experiencing milder conditions for this time of year, British weather is very unpredictable and it’s important that people are prepared if severe weather strikes,” said Richard Birch, Technical Claims Manager at NFU Mutual.
Last winter’s extreme weather, including storms Desmond, Eva and Frank, totalled £50 million in claims to NFU Mutual alone.
“With more extreme weather events predicted by meteorologists, we’ve revised our emergency claims plans so that we continue to get to affected policyholders quickly,” continued Birch.
“Following a major weather event such as a flood or storm, our priority is to provide immediate, practical assistance to our customers. This means making significant interim payments as quickly as possible, helping arrange emergency accommodation and getting properties surveyed and repairs started without delay.”
Six years ago, very heavy snow across Scotland and the north of England led to hundreds of farm building roofs collapsing and many claims for burst pipe damage in homes and commercial buildings. While it’s impossible to predict this winter’s weather, preparation can help prevent damage and limit the recovery time from extreme events.
As such, here is NFU Mutual’s advice to help prepare for winter’s worst weather:
In the car
- Plan journeys carefully, check the weather forecast and only drive if necessary
- Check your tyres, as well as the levels of your engine oil, coolant and screenwasher fluid. Making sure your lights and battery are in good working order is also important
- Keep a torch, blanket, warm clothing, sensible footwear, a bottle of water and a chocolate bar or two in the car
- Make sure your mobile ‘phone is fully charged, and tune into the radio to keep up to date about road conditions
- Check you have emergency breakdown cover and the contact details– this may be part of your insurance policy
At home
- Stay alert for Met Office Severe Weather warnings
- Make sure gutters are clear of leaves and other debris
- Check that tiles and slates are secure on home and outbuilding roofs
- Secure outdoor garden furniture
- Ensure chimneys are regularly swept and that wood burning stoves function properly, especially in thatched properties
- If you have installed extra insulation in your loft put plenty of extra lagging around your water pipes
- Make sure pipes in vulnerable areas are protected with lagging at least 5cm in diameter
- Do not insulate underneath loft tanks – warm air from the room below will help prevent its contents freezing
- In flood-prone areas, plan how you can move valuables upstairs or raise them from ground level
- Make sure you have you insurer’s emergency helpline available
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