Severe Weather Alert: 7 Crucial Steps to Protect Your Farm This Storm Season

From Ashley to Wren, the names of the storms for the 2023-2024 season have been decided, but their impact remains uncertain. With winter fast approaching, the potential for severe weather and its impact on farms is a serious concern. Farmers need to be prepared to mitigate risks and ensure the safety of their property, livestock, and themselves. Prevention is always preferable to costly interventions and, thankfully, there are several steps that can be taken to minimize the likelihood of accidents during storm season.

Secure Your Property Before the Storm Arrives

We’ve all seen the humorous storm memes depicting upturned garden furniture. However, the reality is far from funny; gale-force winds can turn seemingly harmless objects into dangerous projectiles. If a storm is approaching, securing anything that could cause damage to people, property, or electrical infrastructure is paramount. This includes securing loose objects that could become airborne, and securing potentially hazardous farm machinery.

Protect Your Electrical Systems

Lightning strikes, while relatively rare, can have devastating consequences. The risk of damage from power surges should not be underestimated, especially in areas with outdated or poorly maintained electrical systems. To mitigate this risk, farmers should consider the installation of surge protection and proper grounding devices wherever electrical equipment or farm machinery is used. Milking parlors, in particular, are vulnerable and require robust surge protection to prevent extensive damage. A well-protected electrical infrastructure, however, does not mean a lack of preparedness for power outages.

Power Outages and Backup Power Solutions

Standby generators and battery storage can provide essential emergency power if an outage occurs. However, safe usage requires adhering to specific regulations. It is crucial to never plug a generator directly into an electrical socket. Additionally, professional installation by a registered electrical contractor is necessary, incorporating a regulation change-over switch at the main distribution board. This ensures the safety of both your electrical system and the users of the emergency power systems.

Inspect and Report Electrical Infrastructure

Regular inspection of the electricity infrastructure surrounding your property is crucial. Staying away from fallen wires is a non-negotiable safety precaution. Promptly reporting any loose or downed lines, damage to electricity poles, or stay wires to ESB Networks is essential. Their emergency line, 1800 372 999, is available 24/7 to handle such situations.

Tree and Vegetation Maintenance

Loose branches pose significant hazards, capable of causing damage to both property and electricity lines during storms. Regularly checking and trimming trees and vegetation on your property is a preventative measure that should not be overlooked. However, work around electricity lines requires specialized expertise. If you have trees or hedges near power lines that need cutting, contact ESB Networks on 1800 372 757 for an inspection and professional trimming services. They aim to complete such work within three to four weeks.

Emergency Preparedness and Communication

Proactive planning for emergencies is vital. Develop a detailed plan outlining actions to take in case of an emergency, and clearly communicate it to your family and farm workers. Ensure that emergency numbers are readily available – even saving them to your mobile device as a precaution against battery failure. Remember that ESB Networks offers safety stickers with their emergency number, available by calling 1800 372 757. This added layer of preparedness could prove to be invaluable during a crisis.

Staying Informed and Monitoring Power Status

When bad weather approaches, staying informed is paramount. Met Éireann provides up-to-date weather warnings and forecasts, and PowerCheck.ie offers live information on faults and estimated restoration times in case of a power outage. Access to this real-time information can significantly improve response times and reduce the overall impact of any power disruptions. By proactively addressing these measures, farmers can significantly reduce their risk of property damage and personal injury during periods of severe weather. Staying safe this winter is crucial, and through planning and attention to these tips, we can ensure a safer storm season for all involved. Remember, preparation is key to surviving the harshest weather conditions. Taking a proactive and preventative approach helps ensure both safety and operational continuity during severe weather events.