Status Red, Orange and Yellow weather warnings were issued by Met Éireann due to Storm Barra. 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
- In advance of the bad weather, and only when safe to do so, 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
