Updated Key Public Safety Messages

Corporate

Updated Key Public Safety Messages

With the continuing cold spell to continue this week - Met Éireann has issued the following updated Key Public Safety Messages

During this period of inclement weather the public are being urged to exercise extreme caution:

Key Public Safety Messages:

• 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

• In areas of freezing fog, switch on fog lights where visibility is reduced, ensure to check mirrors and slow down. Use your foot brake lightly so that your lights warn following drivers https://www.rsa.ie/news-events/news/details/2025/01/03/the-rsa-is-advising-road-users-to-be-prepared-for-treacherous-road-conditions

• 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

• People are advised to prepare for this period of severe weather including ensuring their mobile phone is fully charged to enable communication

• 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

• Always stay safe and stay clear of electricity lines and wires as these are live and therefore dangerous. You can report any damage to ESB Networks by contacting our emergency phone number: 1800 372 999/021 238 2410 (24 hours/7 days). 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 Be Winter Ready website https://www.gov.ie/en/campaigns/aa78b9-be-winter-ready provides further advice on preparing for severe weather

• 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

Donegal County Council can be contacted during normal business hours on 074 91 53900 and in the event of an out-of-hours emergency the Council’s Road Service/Housing Department can be contacted on 074 91 72288.  For emergencies requiring the assistance of the Fire Service call 999 or 112.
 
The public are asked to keep up to date with the current weather warnings and in particular any change in the status warning for their area on our Winter Maintenance Dashboard

You can keep up to date on conditions in your area by signing up for free alerts to your phone by registering at www.mapalerter.ie or by following Donegal County Council on Facebook or on X (Twitter) @DonegalCouncil.

To save this webpage as a PDF, select ‘Save as PDF’ from the Destination drop down and save.