WITH the Met Office issuing an amber weather warning for Storm Doris on Thursday, February 23, rural insurer NFU Mutual has issued a storm checklist to help country people prepare. Snow is predicted in Scotland and the far north of England, while further south can expect severe winds.

“Strong winds in rural areas can cause significant damage as farms and homes are situated on higher ground and less protected by other buildings," said the Mutual's Tim Price. "Rural areas can be prone to power cuts with lines brought down by high winds and fallen trees. It’s important that people are prepared if severe weather strikes and our priority is to provide immediate, practical assistance to our customers.”

The extreme weather of recent storms Desmond, Eva and Frank, produced claims totalling £50 million to NFU Mutual alone. Mr Price added: “We’ve revised our emergency claims plans so that we continue to get to policyholders quickly through our 300-strong network of agents in towns and villages across the UK. This means making significant interim payments as quickly as possible, helping arrange emergency accommodation and getting properties surveyed and repairs started without delay.”

While it’s impossible to predict the extent of severe weather, preparation can help prevent damage and limit the recovery time from extreme events. The advice is:

At home

• Stay alert for Met Office Severe Weather warnings;

• Don’t risk injury by attempting to clear snow from roofs or attempting emergency repairs to while the storm is raging;

• Prepare for power cuts and make sure you have torches, batteries and that generators are ready;

• Park your car in the garage if possible;

• Secure outdoor garden furniture;

• 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.

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 telephone 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.