Emergency Alerts and Information

Advice for People with Disabilities

Keeping Well and Warm:

• If your disability is affected by a drop in temperature try and be aware of the weather forecast in order to allow you plan for pain management
• Wear the correct amount of layers to try and maintain your body temperature at the required level
• Individuals with reduced mobility should take extra measures to protect their hands, feet and other areas of the body that are particularly subject to cold
• Eat well and avoid unnecessary travel. You should eat regular hot meals and drink plenty of fluids, this will keep you warm and will give you energy to keep active
• Ensure you have sufficient supplies of food and of any prescription medicine you may need. If you have some mobility try and keep active indoors
• Have sufficient fuel supplies to maintain adequate heating in your home
• Ask your relatives and neighbours for help if you need it. Keep their phone numbers on a list beside your phone
• If you cannot talk to people on the phone, make sure you have a relative or friend you can text for assistance if you need it, and register with the emergency services so you can contact them via text if necessary.
• If you have to use medical equipment or a powered mobility device every day please make sure that you always have access to a power supply
• Ensure that you are on the vulnerable customer registers for the energy companies and Irish Water
• If you have an assistance dog, be sure to keep them warm as well. Be sure to always have a blanket for the animal to rest on. Keep the animal indoors as much as possible

Personal Safety – Staying Safe:

• Plan for the possibility that winter weather may disrupt your homecare service
• In icy weather, wear well-fitted shoes with non-slip soles if you have to go out but try to limit walking outside during the cold weather
• If you use a mobility device make sure it can grip an icy surface
• If you have a ramp make sure it is well gritted in icy weather
• If you have a mobile phone that you can use make sure it has a charge and bring it with you when you are going out
• Consider wearing a personal alarm so that family or neighbours are alerted if you fall
• If you have a fall, even a minor one, make sure you can visit your doctor for a check up

Keeping an eye on people with disabilities

• If possible, make yourself aware of a relative or neighbour’s disability and ask them how best you can help them if required
• Try to call on relatives and neighbours who have a disability, and offer to assist them in severe weather
• Ensure that they have sufficient supplies of food and medications
• Ensure that they have sufficient fuel supplies to maintain adequate heating in their homes
• Ensure that they have access to power and water
• Try to arrange regular visits or phone calls so they don’t feel isolated
• If you have any doubts about the safety of someone you know who has a disability seek the assistance of An Garda Síochána or local health and social services