In the Home

Be Prepared

Have a small supply of non perishable, easy-to-prepare foods
Keep extra supplies of essential medication in case it is difficult to get to the pharmacy
Have an adequate supply of fuel for heating/cooking and if possible a suitable alternative should the main supply fail
Have a shovel and bag of salt to keep paths clear and safe
Have batteries for torches in the event of power cuts
Have candles and matches. Candles should always be placed away from draughts in proper candleholders. Never leave a burning candle unattended
Have a water container to ensure a supply of drinking water
Have emergency contact numbers to hand
Leave a key and contact details with neighbours or family if you are going away
Check that loft insulation is thick and in good condition
Fit your water tank with an insulation jacket or alternatively, wrap the top and sides with suitable insulation material
Repair any leaks at taps or valves
Know how to turn off the water supply (usually under the kitchen sink)
Fit draught excluders to your doors and windows
Make sure heating equipment is well-maintained, vented correctly and working properly
Ensure chimneys are cleaned at least once a year
Keep mobile phones charged up - have local emergency numbers in your phone
Know your EIRCODE

Clearing snow can be demanding work - only undertake the task if you are reasonably fit and do not have an underlying medical condition
Clear snow or ice early in the day if possible
Wear sturdy, insulated, waterproof footwear with good gripping soles
Use a shovel. There are special shovels for this task but any garden shovel will do
Make a path down the middle of the area being cleared so that you will have a clear surface to walk on
Never use boiling water to clear snow (it may re-freeze and cause the formation of black ice)
You can prevent ice forming by spreading salt on the area that you have cleared
When you are clearing snow it is important that you don’t create an obstacle for pedestrians or traffic. Ensure that the snow is removed to a location that won’t create a hazard

www.water.ie
Twitter: @IWCare
Boards: www.boards.ie/irishwater
Telephone: 1850 278 278 or +353 1 707 2828 - Water supply and emergencies 24 hours a day, 7 days a week
Irish Water - Water Supply Alerts/Updates
Report a Water Leak
Frozen Water Pipes

Mains water supply to premises, i.e. external stopcock - the depth from ground-level to the stopcock should not be less than 600mm. If required, seek professional advice on having the stopcock lowered or protected. The same applies to the line from the stopcock to your property. Be aware that the level may vary as it nears your property
To prevent stopcocks freezing, open the stopcock chamber and remove any water. Fill the chamber with non-absorbent material to provide insulation. Do not use absorbent material as it too will freeze when wet
Do not leave taps running as this merely wastes a valuable resource
If you are leaving your property unattended for a period of more than a day or two, you should shut off the water supply to the property from the external stopcock (while ensuring that any water-dependent appliances or facilities are also shut-off)
If you have a meter installed by Irish Water, a frost plug has been inserted in the meter boundary box to prevent the meter and stop-cock from freezing
If no meter is installed by Irish Water, to prevent stopcocks freezing, open the stopcock chamber and remove any water. Fill the chamber with non-absorbent material to provide insulation. Do not use absorbent material as it too will freeze when wet

Ensure all exposed pipes are adequately insulated. This includes pipes in the attic where the attic floor has been well insulated
Insulate or wrap a towel around an outside tap.
Leave a light on in the attic
Open attic trap door to allow heat in
Leave heating on for longer periods at lower settings
Warmth offers the best protection against frozen pipes so keep your house warm

If your supply is frozen, be cautious with use of heating systems, washing machines or other water-dependent appliances or facilities
If in doubt, contact a qualified plumber for advice

Water supply in vacant premises and holiday homes should be shut off and drained down in preparation for winter
Keyholders - check premises regularly for possible leaks
If a leak is detected
- Turn off water supply –stop valve is usually under the kitchen sink
- Turn on cold taps to drain the system
- Turn off central heating
- Turn off electricity supply if leak is near electrical appliances
- Call a qualified plumber

Make sure you have multiple torches and extra batteries. Be very careful if you are using candles.
Keep a plug-in telephone that does not require electricity.
Keep the Emergency telephone number 1850 372 999 or +353 21 2382410 to hand, along with your MPRN number (on your bill). This MPRN number helps to identify the exact network serving you.
Do not call any other ESB telephone number as the emergency numbers are the only ones that can give you up-to-date information and, where appropriate, will have the automated messages relevant to your area.
If you have special needs because of infirmity or restricted mobility, or if you use electrical home medical equipment, please make sure that you are registered on the Medical Register. Contact your electricity supplier to ensure you are on their medical register.
If you have elderly neighbours, please check that they are OK.
If your electricity fails, switch off all appliances EXCEPT your fridge and freezer and one light. Avoid opening the freezer.
Remember never to put yourself in danger and to alert the emergency services if a dangerous situation arises.
Where possible, consider making alternate arrangements to stay with family or friends if you are impacted by the power cut.
If possible, boil water and store it in flasks in advance of the power cut.