Cork County Council puts its Severe Weather Plan into action

CORK County Council has activated its Severe Weather Plan and has issued advice to homeowners as Storm Ophelia approaches.

While official estimates say the storm will hit our shores by 9am, it is thought that the first winds could make landfall anytime after 6am.  

The Council's chief executive, Tim Lucey, issued the following statement today: ‘Cork County Council's Severe Weather Assessment Team has convened on a number of occasions since Saturday morning in response to the Level Red Weather Warning (for wind) issued by Met Eireann. The Council's team has assessed the information and has activated its severe weather plan. This has triggered a range of immediate actions, including the convening of the Council's high level Crisis Management Team which will steer and direct the nature of the response on a countywide basis.’

Engineering staff and outdoor response crews have been put on notice and are on standby, while the Council's emergency services are also ready and available to respond. The entire Cork County area is subject to the Level Red wind warning with the worst of the weather expected during the course of Monday afternoon (16th October).

The Council is contactable at the following numbers: Outside of normal business hours ("out of hours"): emergency issues should be reported to 021 4800048. Monday to Friday 9am-5pm: please contact your local Council office, or alternatively contact the "out of hours" number above (for emergency issues) In the event of disruption to water supplies, please contact Irish Water at 1850278278.

The Council will continue to monitor the situation over the coming hours and will take action as appropriate. Regular updates will be posted on the Council's website www.corkcoco.ie, as well as on the Council's Facebook and Twitter accounts.

In the meantime, the Council urges people to pay particular attention to the following:

Travel ·         Avoid all unnecessary travel ·         Avoid coastal area such as cliffs, piers and harbours ·         Do not drive through floods. ·         Follow the instructions of the Emergency Services

At Home – Before the Storm ·         Tie down loose items outside that cannot be brought in. ·         If time allows, shop nearby for essential food items such as dry foods and drinks, ·         Have a torch, spare batteries and a battery radio ready ·         Stay indoors – preferably downstairs – and keep pets in. ·         Clear windowsills and close curtains to protect against flying glass. ·         If gas, electricity or water supplies are cut off, contact if possible the relevant services. ·         Keep in contact with family and neighbours especially people living alone.

At Home – After the Storm ·         As soon as it is safe, rope off or protect damaged areas to prevent injury from falling masonry, roof tiles or broken glass Keep the items listed below in your home so they can become your emergency kit for use in all types of emergencies: ·         Battery-operated radio (with spare batteries). ·         Torch (with spare batteries) ·         First-Aid kit and manual. ·         Medications e.g., asthma inhalers, toiletry and sanitary supplies. ·         Consider the needs of infants, the aged and people with disabilities. ·         A mobile phone, spare battery and charger. ·         Extra car and house keys. ·         Copies of important family documents e.g. your insurance files etc.

In the event of an emergency Call 999 or 112 and request the Fire Service, Ambulance Service, Gardaí or Irish Coastguard as appropriate. DO NOT assume others will do this.