With a Status Red weather warning for Cork, and Orange and Yellow warnings for other parts of the country as Storm Ellen hits, here is some advice for staying safe.
- Monitor Met Éireann forecasts for your area, as well as your local authority website
- Be aware of weather conditions and heed safety warnings
- Keep your Eircode to hand as it is helpful in times of emergency
- Very strong winds could make driving conditions hazardous, especially for cyclists, pedestrians, motorcyclists and high-sided vehicles
- Check vehicle tyres and turn lights on
- Do not drive through any flooded areas, be particularly vigilant near bridges and rivers
- If trees fall, electricity lines will come down. If a tree is down be careful as live wires could be there too
- Stay away from the edge of coastal areas, as well as cliffs, harbours, marinas, piers, rivers, lakes and breakwaters
- Power cuts are possible, so charge phones and powerbanks, and check batteries in torches
- If power goes, use LED candles, not real ones
- Have your Meter Point Reference Number (MPRN) to hand when contacting ESB Networks. The MPRN starts with the digits 10 and is shown on the bill from your electricity supplier
- Check for any loose roof tiles and put away or tie down any loose items in gardens
- Clear loose debris from gutters and drains to avoid blockages. Trim any bushes or small trees that could cause damage
- Know where to switch off electricity, gas and water supplies
- Check on isolated or vulnerable neighbours and family members
Useful resources and contact numbers
Roads
Road Safety Authority Tel: 096 25800 / Lo-Call: 1890 40 60 40
Services
ESB - To report an outage Tel: 1850 372 999 / 021 2382410
Gas Networks Ireland - Tel: 1850 20 50 50
Irish Water supply - Tel: 1850 278 278 / 01 7072828
Rescue services
In an emergency dial 999 or 112
