FMG News
Invite farm pests to dinner or sparks may fly
Some animals are hard to love, especially those wild little furry ones with really sharp teeth. They’re ideally suited to nibble through electrical wiring, shorting circuits and causing sparks to fly. We understand, because last year FMG paid out over $1.5 million in claims for damage to farm property caused by fires, so we’re not that fond of them either.
Late in 2007 an FMG client faced this very problem. Whilst they were out feeding the stock, rats in the hay-shed were feeding on the wiring. The circuit was shorted and fire broke out, gutting the building before the fire brigade was even called.
Luckily FMG was able to help out under their FMG RuralPak, Farm Buildings and Farm Contents policy, getting them back on their feet in no time at all.
How can you avoid the same loss?
- Use traps or baits, it’s the best way we know of preventing the fires, breakdowns and spoilages that their voracious appetites can cause.
- Reduce and remove shelter; Rodents need housing in order to reproduce. Destroy all nesting places, remove rubbish and old machinery from around buildings
- Rodent proof all places where feed and grain are kept, used, or mixed. Taking time to seal them now will make your baiting more attractive.
Make sure your insurance policy is able to cover:
- At least the present day value of your building and contents
- Reasonable costs to replenish your fire fighting equipment
- Any reasonable additional costs you incur to keep your farm running
- The costs you incur to protect your farm buildings from fire
For a more proactive look at your insurance, call FMG today on 0800 366 466.
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