URGENT: Cold Weather Safety Alert

The Key Public Safety Messages from the National Coordination Group Meeting for January Cold Weather this morning were:

• Check on elderly, vulnerable and isolated neighbours.
• Wintry showers and icy surfaces will lead to difficult travel conditions.
• Road conditions will be hazardous, even where roads are gritted, slow down, drive with caution, be aware of other road users and allow extra time for your journey.
• Cyclists need to exercise extreme caution during this cold weather spell. While key arterial routes are being gritted nightly, there are many cycle routes that may not be gritted.
• Drivers travelling longer journeys are advised to be aware of conditions right along their route, as the weather may vary significantly across different parts of the country.
• Public transport may also be affected by this spell of wintry weather; people are advised to check with service operators for the latest updates in their area.
• Take extra care while walking: footpaths etc. can be extremely hazardous/slippery due to ice.
• Keep your phone charged and take it with you on all journeys. In an emergency dial 999 or 112.
• All disruptions to HSE services are on the hse.ie homepage and it is being regularly updated on HSE social media channels https://www.hse.ie
• The Be Winter Ready website https://www.gov.ie/en/campaigns/aa78b9-be-winter-ready provides further advice on preparing for severe weather.
• People are advised to prepare for this period of severe weather including ensuring their mobile phone is fully charged to enable communication.
• ESB Emergency Services can be contacted at 1800 372 999. The public can monitor www.PowerCheck.ie.
• Uisce Éireann Customers can check their website and social media channels for updates and to get in touch with any issues or concerns via our 24/7 customer care centre at 1800 278 278. People can also sign up online to free text alert system to get regular updates about their local supplies - see www.water.ie.People are advised to conserve water, and visit https://www.water.ie for advice.
• The Dublin Region Homeless Executive (DRHE) have a free app which enables members of the public to alert them to the location of anyone sleeping rough, so that outreach teams can make contact with them. If you wish to make a report of a rough sleeper in the Dublin Region please download the app, the link. can be found on the following website: https://www.homelessdublin.ie/our-work/news/drhe-launches-new-app-for-public-to-alert-teams-to-location-of-rough-sleepers.
• Farmers are advised to take all precautions when dealing with livestock and possibly working alone.
• Those travelling by air over the weekend should allow plenty of time for their journey. Passengers seeking updates regarding specific flights should contact their airline directly.
• Monitor Met Éireann forecasts and/or visit https://www.met.ie/ for the most up to date information. Information is available across social media platforms and other news media sources.