Public Safety Message: Waterford Council highlights key public safety measures

Waterford City & County Council has issued a number of key public safety measures to the general public.

The messages come in view of the continuing cold weather snap with temperatures likely to plummet once again tonight.

In it's message the local authority urged people to check on elderly, vulnerable and isolated neighbours and be mindful of wintry showers and icy surfaces as they will lead to difficult travel conditions.

In addition some of the key issues highlighted in the public safety notice included: 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; 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 and people are advised to check with service operators for the latest updates in their area.

Pedestrians are also urged to take extra care while walking as footpaths etc. can be extremely hazardous and 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," said a spokesperson for the local authority.

Members of the public are also urged to keep their phone charged and take it with them on all journeys. In an emergency dial 999 or 112 and all disruptions to HSE services are posted 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," said a local authority spokesperson.

"You can report any damage to ESB Networks by contacting our emergency phone number: 1800 372 999/021 238 2410 (24 hours/7 days)," added the spokesperson.

The public can also monitor www.PowerCheck.ie and Uisce Éireann Customers can check the organisation's website and social media channels for updates and to get in touch with any issues or concerns via its 24/7 customer care centre at 1800 278278. 

People can also sign up online to free text alert system to get regular updates about their local supplies at www.water.ie and the public is also advised to conserve water and for advice in that regard visit https://www.water.ie for advice.

The Be Winter Ready website is available to access at https://www.gov.ie/en/campaigns/aa78b9-be-winter-ready and it provides further advice on preparing for severe weather.

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.

For more advice on road traffic measures in dangerous conditions look up www.rsa.ie