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People are advised to take steps now to prepare for severe cold weather, which can bring freezing temperatures, snow and ice .
Cold weather can cause disruption to homes, transport and essential services. Simple actions taken in advance can help reduce the risk of damage and keep you and your household safe
Be ready at home
- Have a supply of non-perishable and easy-to-prepare foods
- Keep prescription medicines up to date, where possible.
- Have an adequate supply of fuel for heating and cooking and, if possible, a suitable alternative should the main supply fail.
- Know how to turn off your water supply.
- Have a water container to ensure a supply of drinking water.
- Have batteries for torches and alternative light sources in the event of power cuts.
- Keep mobile phones charged up and have local emergency numbers in your phone.
- Have a suitable snow shovel.
- Know your Eircode.
See Make a plan for more information.
Service your boiler
- Your boiler needs to be serviced regularly by an accredited plumber to run efficiently and to keep your home or business warm. If not, leaks could freeze and cause a breakdown and costly repairs.
Keep your home warm
- Minimising all draughts, leaving heating on low for long periods and opening doors to allow warm air to circulate to unheated areas of your house helps prevent pipes and tanks from freezing in cold weather.
Snow clearing
- Snow clearing is strenuous - do not attempt it unless it unless you have a reasonable standard of fitness and no underlying medical condition.
- Wear suitable clothing and boots or shoes with a good grip.
- Clear the snow earlier in the day - do not use boiling water as it may freeze over and cause a hazard.
Prevent pipes freezing and protect water supply
Insulate water tanks and pipes
- Protect exposed pipes, including attic pipes, from freezing and cracking with lagging or by wrapping a towel around them.
Fix external dripping taps
- It is recommended you always fix any dripping taps but pay particular attention to external dripping taps in winter as water from them can freeze on the ground and cause people to slip and injure themselves.
Frozen mains water supply
- If your supply is frozen, be cautious with the use of heating systems, washing machines or other water dependent appliances or facilities.
- If in doubt, contact a qualified plumber for advice.
Unattended property
- If you are leaving your property unattended for a period of more than a day or two, shut off the water supply from the external stopcock while ensuring that any water-dependent appliances or facilities are also shutoff.
- Running your taps will not prevent pipes from freezing.
- This is especially important as this can cause frozen drains and puts undue pressure on supplies across the network.
Water leaks
- Water supply in vacant premises and holiday homes should be shut off and drained down in preparation for winter.
- Key holders should 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 at main fuse board if leak is near electrical appliances.
- Call a qualified plumber or electrician.