The Government's Office of Emergency Planning as part of the Department of Defence has updated its website offering farms and businesses advice on preparing for the event of severe winter weather.

While most of the advice is practical knowledge and common sense, there are a few tips that farmers can keep in mind when going about their work in the winter months.

In the event of severe weather, farmers have a number of challenges to overcome to ensure business continuity. The advice stressed that preparation is key in minimising disruption during such events.

Farmers should consider how various severe weather scenarios could affect their farms.

Some of the factors to consider are as follows:

The advice also said that farmers should review insurance cover and contact insurance advisors in relation to any concerns regarding cover they may - or may not - have.

Most farmers will remember the big freeze in 2010 and the difficulties it caused for farmers.

A preparation plan should also be considered, in the event of freezing weather conditions.

Some of the issues freezing conditions can cause difficulties for include:

There is increased risk of injury during severe weather conditions too. Most injuries result from slips and falls, causing fractures and head injuries.

The Office of Emergency Planning offered the following tips to farmers during a heavy frost:

If rigging up additional lamps and heaters, use the correct wiring and ensure these are protected by a 30 milliamp RCD (Residual Current Device) on the switch or fuse board to prevent electric shocks.