Key public safety messages for Cold Weather Period
Kildare County Council’s Severe Weather Assessment Team met this afternoon in response to the Yellow Weather Warning for the County for low temperatures, with falls of sleet and snow, and snowfall accumulations expected. The weather warning will be in place from 5pm tomorrow (Saturday, 4 January) until 5pm Sunday, 5 January.
The following advice has been issued following that meeting:
- 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.
- Kildare County Council’s Winter Maintenance Plan is in operation with the objective of keeping all principal routes open to traffic, free from ice and safe to travel on. For information see: https://kildarecoco.ie/AllServices/Transport/WinterMaintenancePlan.
- Wintry showers and icy surfaces will however lead to difficult travel conditions.
- Driving 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.
- Take extra care while walking: footpaths etc. can be extremely hazardous/slippery due to ice.
- Check on elderly, vulnerable and isolated neighbours.
- Keep your phone fully charged to enable communication and take it with you on all journeys. In an emergency dial 999 or 112.
- The Be Winter Ready website https://www.gov.ie/en/campaigns/aa78b9-be-winter-ready provides further advice on preparing for severe weather.
- 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.
- Farmers are advised to take all precautions when dealing with livestock and possibly working alone.
Kildare County Council will continue to monitor the situation.
Contacts
- Kildare County Council - Out of hours - 1800 500 444
- Homeless Out of hours services operated by Peter McVerry Trust on behalf of Kildare County Council – 1800 804 307 (Saturday & Sunday 12pm -5pm)
