Staying safe in the inclement weather

IVAN KELLY, Agricultural Sustainability Support and Advice Programme Adviser, with Teagasc, Galway/Clare gives some timely advice on staying safe in the current volatile weather conditions.

STORM Jorge rages over the country as I write – the third serious weather event to hit the West of Ireland in the month of February, following on from Storm Ciara and Storm Dennis, as warming oceans and a changing climate fuel higher-speed winds.

The heavy rain that accompanied these storms has resulted in thousands of acres of farmland being flooded, along with destruction to homes and property. Met Eireann charts show rainfall in the month of February was recorded at nearly 250mms. in the Athenry weather station. This was up from in 73mms. in February 2019 or over 300% increase in rainfall on the previous year.

In severe cases, cattle had to be moved out of farmyards to safety in the past week due to the risk of flooding. Soils are saturated, making grazing difficult or impossible.

Many farmers have to cope with the financial burden of purchasing extra concentrates to replace the unavailable grass, management challenges regarding longer housing of stock and waste storage issues with tanks filling and land being unsuitable for spreading slurry.

These severe weather events are unfortunately getting very common over the past few years. While the designated agencies continue to plan for extreme weather events including alleviating the risk with improved flood relief measures, what are the key things all farmers can do to help protect themselves, their families and farm?

Farm Safety

Do not enter flooded areas unless it is absolutely necessary and ensure you tell someone where you are going. If possible work in pairs. Bring a charged mobile phone in a secured pocket.

Flood water can lift items such as manhole covers and slats so extra vigilance is required where these are present.

Stay off roofs and high places particularly in windy conditions. Take extra care when using ladders which should be secured.

When using farm vehicles for transport within farms vigilance is required at road edges, banks of streams or embankments as these may be undercut by flowing water.

For more, read this week’s Connacht Tribune.

Get the Connacht Tribune Live app

The Connacht Tribune Live app is the home of everything that is happening in Galway City and county. It’s completely FREE and features all the latest news, sport and information on what’s on in your area. Click HERE to download it for iPhone and iPad from Apple’s App Store, or HERE to get the Android Version from Google Play.