Loss of utilities

Be prepared for emergencies by gathering essential supplies to ensure safety, comfort, and survival in case of power or water outages or evacuation.

• Keep a battery, wind-up or solar radio and spare batteries, or use a car radio as backup.
• Keep mobile phone nearby and have it charged.
• Have power banks ready for recharging phones.
• Keep a torch or lamp with spare batteries.
• Keep matches or a lighter in a safe place.
• Have an alternative heating source such as blankets, sleeping bags, emergency thermal blankets.
• Close windows and doors; stay in one room for warmth.
• Know the location of gas and electricity shutoff points – know your MPRN (Meter Point Reference Number) and GPRN (Gas Point Registration Number) from your bill.

Carbon monoxide advice

If your power is off, it might be tempting to find alternative means of cooking and heating, but these appliances can produce large amounts of carbon monoxide and should only ever be used outdoors in a well-ventilated area.

• Never run generators or other petrol or diesel equipment indoors, under cover or close to access points in the property such as doors, windows or ventilation points.
• Never use barbeques, patio heaters or other outdoor fuel burning equipment indoors or under cover.
• Never use an indoor cooking appliance to try to heat a room.
• If you're lighting a fire in the grate, make sure your chimney has been swept and isn't blocked and ensure the room is properly ventilated.

For advice and information on carbon monoxide call 1800 89 89 89 or visit www.carbonmonoxide.ie.

More information

To check for ESB power outages in Ireland, visit PowerCheck.ie for real-time outage information and to report faults.

• Each person needs 2–3 litres of drinking water each day and 10 litres for basic cooking and hygiene needs.
• Drinking water should be clear, colourless, with a normal smell with no unusual changes
• Have some supplies of bottled water and store in a cool, dark place and only for as long as the expiry date.
• Don’t leave taps running and fix any dripping taps inside or outside your property.

More information

Sign up for free text alerts on Uisce Éireann's website for updates on outages and to learn the restoration times associated with the public water network.