Rural homeowners urged to prepare their properties for the onset of winter‏

With the first frosts of the season upon us, rural insurer NFU Mutual is reminding people to carry out essential home maintenance now, before the weather does its worst.

Sid Gibson of NFU Mutual, a broadly based rural insurer, advises homeowners how to protect their properties.

"Country properties tend to be particularly vulnerable to storm and freeze damage," said Sid Gibson, NFU Mutual's Chief Underwriting Manager.

"Many rural homes are in isolated locations where they are exposed to the full force of the elements, and unlike urban properties they rarely have other buildings around them to provide a degree of protection from the worst winter weather.

"As well as damage to the property itself, rural homes are at greater risk of disruption to their power supply when exposed electricity cables are brought down by high winds – or the weight of snow on the lines.

"The first priority to keep homes well maintained. Keeping up to date with repairs like fixing loose slates and re-pointing chimneys can prevent major damage if storm force winds strike or there is a heavy snow fall. The same applies to garages, outbuildings and farm buildings where loose or damaged sheeting can lead to the loss of a building in a severe storm.

"It is also important to regularly check the condition of trees on your land – and take action if they are in a dangerous state. Trees are a beautiful part of our countryside and gardens – but they do need to be looked after to avoid hazards to life and property. Burst pipes can cause tremendous damage to the furnishings and fabric of homes and it is well worth having insulation checked over before winter sets in.

"The damage from burst pipes can be horrendous - especially if the burst happens when the house is unoccupied and the owners return to find collapsed ceilings, and their furniture, electrical goods, and personal possessions ruined. Unlagged pipes in lofts which have been insulated are the most common cause of burst pipes but homes which are left unoccupied and empty holiday cottages are also at risk.

"Many people have recently put in extra insulation to control their heating costs as fuel prices rise. This can mean that pipes and water tanks in loft spaces become exposed to lower temperatures as they are usually situated above the insulation. So if you put in more insulation, make sure that tanks and pipes get extra insulation too.

"Finally - make sure that your home and contents insurance is up to date and that sums insured are enough to cover the full cost of rebuilding the house and replacing its contents. Freezer contents cover is particularly important for those living in places where bad weather often disrupts power supplies."

Winter homeowners' checklist: Make sure you check:

· The condition of trees on your land and take any necessary action.

· That gutters are clear of leaves and bird's nests.

· Tiles and slates are secure on the roof.

· Chimneys or other areas are in good repair and could withstand asevere storm.

· The area where vehicles are kept is secure and safe.· Sheds and outbuildings can be securely locked at night.

· Outside lighting and security cameras work properly.· Fences and boundary walls are in good repair. Check with your insureras to whether they are covered under your policy. Some such as NFUMutual cover them as standard, others don't.

· Garden furniture and ornaments are stored for winter Inside your home you need to check:

· Chimneys are swept and that wood burning stoves function properly,especially in thatched properties.

· Locks and other security devices work on all doors and windows.

· Lights and radios have timer devices, switching them on and off whenyou are out.

· You have adequate freezer cover. Rural properties are more likely tosuffer from disrupted power supply or power failure because of the weather,which could leave you with a freezer full of ruined food. Recent NFU Mutual research showed that almost a quarter of people (23%) have never reviewed their level of home contents cover.

You can check whether your insurance is of the right value quickly and efficiently by using the NFU Mutual home insurance contents calculator on its website: www/nfumutual.co.uk. As the hazardous winter weather approaches, there has never been a more sensible time to do so.