Stay safe during cold weather

Before taking any journey - ask is your journey absolutely necessary?

Can you use public transport? During these severe weather conditions public transport routes will be prioritised. If you must use the car, before you begin your journey consider the following:

Put a hi-viz jacket, shovel, boots or wellingtons, extra clothing or a blanket and a flask in the boot of the car, in case you do get stuck or have to abandon the car.

You should check your tyres – pressure, tread depth (minimum 1.6 millimetres) and condition.

Walkers

If a journey cannot be avoided, pedestrians should be extremely careful as snow and ice can make walking on footpaths very dangerous.

Wear sturdy footwear with good gripping soles. Take an extra look before you cross the road and do not attempt to cross the road if there are vehicles around – remember snow and ice increase the distance that cars need to stop. Visibility is reduced in snowy conditions so wear high visibility clothing or carry a torch.

Motorcyclists and cyclists

Motorcyclists and cyclists should consider their safety before using their motorcycles / bicycles in icy/snow conditions. Controlling two wheeled vehicles in snow or icy conditions is extremely difficult and there is an increased danger of a collision with a vehicle that is out of control. Consider taking alternative transport or walking.

Take heed of these ‘safety tips’ for driving in snow and ice. The golden rule is to drive, cycle or walk with care and caution and expect the unexpected. Before setting off on a journey check to see if there are any problems on your intended route. Here are some useful links:

• visit the Department of Transport for updates
• tune in to your local radio station to get latest updates in your county
• check the weather at Met Eireann
• check the An Garda Síochána website for travel warnings

Don't get caught out when severe weather strikes.

Your first step should be to get your vehicle serviced to ensure it is fit and safe for driving in extreme conditions. Secondly you should carry out regular checks on the vehicle. You should:

• check for wear and tear on wiper blades and replace them as soon as they start to smear rather than clean windows
• keep tyre pressure at the manufacturer's recommended level and check you have at least 3 millimetres of tread depth
• make sure all vehicle lights are working and clean and top up with anti-freeze and screen wash

Be Seen to Be Safe! When out on the road, walking especially in rural areas high visibility reflective clothing and lights are the only way to stay safe. As children make the journey to school often in the dark, make sure your child can be seen.

Clear windscreen

Ensure all your windows are clean and free from snow and bring a scraper and de-icer with you. Snow left on the roof will become loose and can drop onto the windscreen during braking, thereby causing sudden and severe restriction to your vision.

Check your lights and indicators as falling snow reduces visibility. Make sure your mobile phone is fully charged. If your car has rear wheel drive the addition of extra weight in the boot, such as a bag of sand or cement, will help your wheels to grip.

Driving advice in icy conditions

It takes longer to stop a vehicle in snow or on icy roads so slow down and allow extra distance between you and the vehicle in front. During your journey remember the following:

• keep a sharp lookout for pedestrians, cyclists and other vulnerable road users
• keep your windows clear of snow during your journey
• manoeuvre gently and avoid harsh braking, acceleration or steering as these can induce a skid
• use the highest gear possible to reduce the engine revs as this will help avoid wheel spin

When travelling downhill, especially through a series of bends, select a low gear as early as possible and allow your speed to reduce using the brake pedal gently.

Reduced visibility

Heavy snowfall will reduce visibility. Use dipped headlights and fog lights if fitted.

At low air temperatures watch out for black ice, especially in sheltered/shaded areas on roads, under trees and adjacent to high walls. Tune in to your local radio station regularly to keep up to date with information on weather/road conditions, road closures etc.

Tyres

Get a grip. Remember your only contact with the road surface is your tyres so it’s vital that they are up to the task in icy and snowy conditions. Check tyres, including spare wheel, and replace them if the tread depth falls below 3mm. Check your tyres are inflated to the correct tyre pressure. Drive slowly in the highest gear possible, manoeuvre gently and avoid harsh braking. Replace tyres if necessary.

Make sure you can see

Clear your windows and mirrors before you set out, carry a screen scraper and de-icer. Do not use hot water on the windscreen as it can crack the glass. Replace windshield wiper blades if necessary. De-mist the inside of your windows thoroughly. Make sure your windshield washer system works and is full of an anti-icing fluid. The glare from the sun can be dazzling in snow when the sun is low in the sky, so wear sunglasses in these conditions.

Check and use your lights . Use your dipped headlights so that others will see you. Make sure lights are clear of snow.

Driving

Gently does it. Maneuver gently, slow down and leave extra distance between you and the vehicle in front. Too much steering is bad and avoid harsh braking and acceleration. Use the highest gear possible to avoid wheel spin. Select a low gear when travelling downhill especially if through bends. Falling snow, fog, rain, or hail will reduces visibility. Do not hang on to the tail lights of the vehicle in front of you as it can give a false sense of security. When you slow down, use your brakes so that the brake lights warn drivers behind you.

Watch out for "black ice." If the road looks polished or glossy it could be, "black ice” one of the worst hazards on roads: Black Ice is difficult to see! It is nearly invisible.

Emergency equipment

Be prepared - Emergency equipment to have in your car:

• high Visibility Vest
• hazard warning triangle
• torch with batteries - check it monthly
• tow rope
• shovel
• jump Leads
• fuel Canister
• spare fuses and bulbs
• de-icing equipment (Both for glass and door locks)

You should also have a first aid kit and a map or GPS (charged) along with the following items:

• appropriate clothing and footwear in case you have to leave your vehicle
• charged mobile phone
• some simple supplies to sustain yourself (drink and food)

Driving in hazardous conditions

Remember the following serious hazards:

Snow and ice will always be worse in mountainous areas and higher ground – try to route around such places. There is information about road conditions and road temperatures on www.tiitraffic.ie.

Beware of high sided vehicles in strong winds, particularly when over-taking. If you are driving a high sided vehicle try to anticipate exposed sections of roadway where winds will be stronger.

Beware of fallen trees or other debris

Leaving your vehicle is dangerous, wear a high visibility jacket and use your hazard lights to enable other traffic to avoid collision with your vehicle. However, on a motorway, it is safer to get out of your car and stand behind the safety barrier. Call for assistance immediately.

Met Éireann weather forecasts are available on RTÉ (radio and TV), on many of the independent local and national radio stations and on www.met.ie. When a Severe Weather Warning (level red) is in operation it will also be issued to the broadcast media and to Local Authorities.

Weather Warnings are presented in three categories as outlined below:

Status Yellow Weather Alert - Be Aware

The concept behind YELLOW level weather alerts is to notify those who are at risk because of their location and/or activity, and to allow them to take preventative action. It is implicit that YELLOW level weather alerts are for weather conditions that do not pose an immediate threat to the general population, but only to those exposed to risk by nature of their location and/or activity.

Status Orange Weather Warning - Be Prepared

This category of ORANGE level weather warnings is for weather conditions which have the capacity to impact significantly on people in the affected areas. The issue of an ORANGE level weather warning implies that all recipients in the affected areas should prepare themselves in an appropriate way for the anticipated conditions.

Status Red Severe Weather Warning - Take Action

The issue of RED level severe weather warnings should be a comparatively rare event and implies that recipients take action to protect themselves and their properties. This could be by moving their families out of the danger zone temporarily, by staying indoors or by other specific actions aimed at mitigating the effects of the weather conditions.

You can get more details on Met Éireann’s weather alert, weather warning and severe weather warning on www.met.ie which also has the latest national and regional forecasts.

Further advice may also be obtained from the Office of Public Works by emailing info@opw.ie.

You can obtain the latest weather forecast from the following sources:

• Met Éireann, the Irish Meteorological Service Online
• listen to national and local radio hourly news bulletins
• watch weather reports after TV news bulletins

Get a 7-day hourly localised weather forecast at www.met.ie or from our App in the Play store (Android) or on iTunes (iOS).

The Rainfall Radar and Rainfall Forecast (7 day) map can be played at www.met.ie to view past precipitation images or computer-generated precipitation forecast - this includes rain, hail, sleet or snow.

Met Éireann iTunes link

Met Éireann Android link

Clearing snow can be demanding work - only undertake the task if you are reasonably fit and do not have an underlying medical condition:

• clear snow or ice early in the day if possible
• wear sturdy, insulated, waterproof footwear with good gripping soles
• use a shovel - there are special shovels for this task but any garden shovel will do
• make a path down the middle of the area being cleared so that you will have a clear surface to walk on

Never use boiling water to clear snow as it may re-freeze and cause the formation of black ice. You can prevent ice forming by spreading salt on the area that you have cleared. When you are clearing snow it is important that you don’t create an obstacle for pedestrians or traffic. Ensure that the snow is removed to a location that won’t create a hazard

Mains water supply to premises, i.e. external stopcock - the depth from ground-level to the stopcock should not be less than 600mm. If required, seek professional advice on having the stopcock lowered or protected. The same applies to the line from the stopcock to your property. Be aware that the level may vary as it nears your property.

To prevent stopcocks freezing, open the stopcock chamber and remove any water. Fill the chamber with non-absorbent material to provide insulation. Do not use absorbent material as it too will freeze when wet. Do not leave taps running as this merely wastes a valuable resource.

Water supply

If you are leaving your property unattended for a period of more than a day or two, you should shut off the water supply to the property from the external stopcock (while ensuring that any water-dependent appliances or facilities are also shut-off).

If you have a meter installed by Irish Water, a frost plug has been inserted in the meter boundary box to prevent the meter and stop-cock from freezing. If no meter is installed by Irish Water, to prevent stopcocks freezing, open the stopcock chamber and remove any water. Fill the chamber with non-absorbent material to provide insulation. Do not use absorbent material as it too will freeze when wet.

Be prepared - avoid frozen pipes

Ensure all exposed pipes are adequately insulated. This includes pipes in the attic where the attic floor has been well insulated. Other steps include:

• insulate or wrap a towel around an outside tap
• leave a light on in the attic
• open attic trap door to allow heat in
• leave heating on for longer periods at lower settings

Warmth offers the best protection against frozen pipes so keep your house warm.

Frozen mains water supply

If your supply is frozen, be cautious with use of heating systems, washing machines or other water-dependent appliances or facilities. If in doubt, contact a qualified plumber for advice.

Water leaks

Water supply in vacant premises and holiday homes should be shut off and drained down. Keyholders should check premises regularly for possible leaks.

If a leak is detected:

• turn off water supply – stop valve is usually under the kitchen sink
• turn on cold taps to drain the system
• turn off central heating
• turn off electricity supply if leak is near electrical appliances
• call a qualified plumber

Store the essentials

Have a small supply of non-perishable, easy-to-prepare foods. Keep extra supplies of essential medication in case it is difficult to get to the pharmacy.

Have an adequate supply of fuel for heating/cooking and if possible a suitable alternative should the main supply fail. Have a shovel and bag of salt to keep paths clear and safe. You should also have batteries for torches in the event of power cuts.

Have candles and matches

Candles should always be placed away from draughts in proper candleholders. Never leave a burning candle unattended. These tips are also important:

• have a water container to ensure a supply of drinking water
• have emergency contact numbers to hand
• leave a key and contact details with neighbours or family if you are going away

Strengthening community links helps to improve preparedness for emergencies. Experience has shown that active preparation leads to a better response in an emergency, which in turn, leads to the best possible outcome for all concerned. This preparedness enables the community to come together to use locally identified resources (people and equipment) during an emergency affecting their community, such as the flooding and heavy snowfall of recent years.

Although the response to challenging weather events is coordinated by Local Authorities, communities have an important role to play in emergencies. Central to this is neighbours knowing each other and working together. Being prepared, knowing your neighbours and working together will help to ensure that you and your community are ready for storms and extreme bad weather.

Check on your older relatives and neighbours:

• if it’s difficult for you to get around it will be impossible for them
• do you have their phone number(s)?
• if in doubt call the Gardaí and ask them to check
• make sure they have enough fuel, food supplies and necessary medications
• remind them to keep their mobile phone charged
• phone them or call around

Irish communities have faced several extreme weather events in the recent past. These extreme weather events have caused millions of euro worth of damage and disrupted the supply of electricity and water to hundreds of thousands of households nationwide. The pandemic and its consequences have also created significant challenges.

In these circumstances, and to minimise the impact of future extreme weather events, we must prepare together and understand the practical steps that we can take to protect ourselves and our communities. We need to grow awareness of the threats we face, as well as the solutions and supports that are available to us.

Many of the steps we can take are quite simple, for example, acquiring a high visibility vest and keeping a stock of bottled water. Communities have valuable local knowledge, for instance, where black ice tends to form on roads.

As part of their Winter Service Plans, several local authorities nationwide provide salt bins and a fill of salt to community groups as well as making grit available at multiple locations. Can you volunteer to spread salt or grit on minor roads in your area to keep them open? Do you know who to contact in the local authority to get these provisions?

Seniors Alert Scheme (SAS)

Are seniors in your area aware of the Seniors Alert Scheme? The SAS supplies emergency alarm pendants for seniors. For further information, please visit www.pobal.ie.

Clár Programme

The Department of Rural and Community Development has provided funding under the CLÁR programme to provide support for emergency responders in disadvantaged rural areas. Details on eligibility and the application process are published on the department’s website.

Libraries

Libraries will offer physical and digital services and will provide services to older and vulnerable users in line with government guidelines and capacity. For more information on the services you can access at your local library, please go to www.librariesireland.ie.

ALONE

A national organisation that enables older people to age at home. It’s work is for all older people and aims to improve physical, emotional and mental wellbeing. ALONE has a National network of staff and volunteers who provide an integrated system of Support Coordination, Practical Supports, Befriending, a variety of Phone Services, Social Prescribing, Housing with Support and Assistive Technology. Please go to Contact - ALONE.

Take extra care

Everyone, especially older or more vulnerable people, should remember to take extra care during a cold spell. Elderly people should not venture outdoors in severe weather if possible. The public are asked to make a special effort to keep in contact with their neighbours and relatives, particularly those living alone.

Remember:

• keep warm, eat well and avoid unnecessary travel
• call on elderly relatives and neighbours and ensure they have sufficient supplies of food and of any prescription drugs they may need
• ensure that older people have sufficient fuel supplies to maintain adequate heating in their homes

If your water supply is disrupted due to severe weather, you will find health advice on drinking water supplies and more information on keeping well on www.hse.ie.

Preventing falls and trips

Emergency Departments around the country can be busy in severe weather, dealing with sprains and fractures as a result of slips and falls on icy roads and footpaths. While both young and old present to Emergency Departments as a result of falls on ice, as we get older a fall can result in broken bones, a loss of confidence, loss of mobility and fear of leaving the home. Many falls can be prevented and by making small changes we can reduce the chances of falling.

Fall prevention in your home:

• leave a low energy light on at night time, preferably one with a high light output
• use a non-slip shower or bath mat
• make sure wires or cords, such as from lamps or telephones, do not trail where you walk
• arrange furniture so that you can easily move around all your rooms
• keep the floors clear from items such as papers and books that could cause you to trip
• remove rugs or use non-slip tape or backing so rugs will not slip Consider installing hand rails on both sides of the stairs

Storm health advice for people with disabilities

If you have a disability that is affected by a drop in temperature try and be aware of the weather forecast in order to allow you plan for pain management. Wear the correct amount of layers to try and maintain your body temperature at the required level.

Individuals with reduced mobility should take extra measures to protect their hands, feet and other areas of the body that are particularly subject to cold. Eat well and avoid unnecessary travel. You should eat regular hot meals and drink plenty of fluids, this will keep you warm and will give you energy to keep active.

Food supplies

Ensure you have sufficient supplies of food and of any prescription medicine you may need. If you have some mobility try and keep active indoors. Have sufficient fuel supplies to maintain adequate heating in your home.

Ask your relatives and neighbours for help if you need it. Keep their phone numbers on a list beside your phone. If you cannot talk to people on the phone, make sure you have a relative or friend you can text for assistance if you need it, and register with the emergency services so you can contact them via text if necessary.

Medical equipment

If you have to use medical equipment or a powered mobility device every day please make sure that you always have access to a power supply.

Ensure that you are on the vulnerable customer registers for the energy companies and Irish Water. If you have an assistance dog, be sure to keep them warm as well. Be sure to always have a blanket for the animal to rest on. Keep the animal indoors as much as possible.

Safety advice for people with disabilities

People with disabilities should plan for the possibility that bad weather may disrupt homecare services. In icy weather, wear well-fitted shoes with non-slip soles if you have to go out but try to limit walking outside during the cold weather.

If you use a mobility device make sure it can grip an icy surface and If you have a ramp make sure it is well gritted in icy weather.

Stay in contact

If you have a mobile phone that you can use make sure it has a charge and bring it with you when you are going out. You should consider wearing a personal alarm so that family or neighbours are alerted if you fall. If you have a fall, even a minor one, make sure you can visit your doctor for a check up.

Keeping an eye on vulnerable people

If possible, make yourself aware of a relative or neighbour’s disability and ask them how best you can help them if required.

Try to call on relatives and neighbours who have a disability, and offer to assist them in severe weather:

• ensure that they have sufficient supplies of food and medications
• ensure that they have sufficient fuel supplies to maintain adequate heating in their homes
• ensure that they have access to power and water
• arrange regular visits or phone calls so they don’t feel isolated

If you have any doubts about the safety of someone you know who has a disability seek the assistance of An Garda Síochána or local health and social services.