Derry and Strabane Council offers advise as yellow weather warning begins

People are being advised to take care on the roads, look out for vulnerable neighbours and plan ahead as the Met Office warn of adverse weather.

A yellow weather warning is in place across Northern Ireland with winds of up to 70mph and snowfall forecast for the region on Wednesday and Thursday.

Derry City and Strabane District Council has issued the following advice:

TRAVEL

If you are considering embarking on a journey during bad weather consult the MET office website.

The Roads Service also provides a web site detailing traffic infor‐ mation and roads conditions for Northern Ireland.

Their web site is www.trafficwatchni.com FLOODING The Flooding Incident Line is Northern Ireland’s single telephone number for people to report ANY flooding problems.

You can contact the Flooding Incident Line 24 hours a day to report any flooding incidents such as problems on roads, burst mains or blocked drains.  

SUPPORT FOR VULNERABLE PEOPLE

Northern Ireland Electricity (NIE) offers a critical care information service to customers who are dependant of life supporting electrical equipment.

Customers on this register will receive up‐to‐date information by phone during a power cut or a planned interruption.

Please ring 0845 7643 643 to register Northern Ireland Water offers a range of free additional services to older customers or customers who have serious medical conditions or need extra help for any other reason.  Please contact Northern Ireland Water Waterline’s on 0845 74400 88.

IN YOUR HOME

It is useful to have an emergency kit in your home – suggested con‐ tents include battery/wind‐up radio and torch, spare batteries, candles and matches, a phone that doesn’t require mains electric to work, list of useful numbers ( such as those contained overleaf), list of medications that you are taking, copies of household insurance policies.

It is important to make sure your heating is safe and that your house is properly ventilated, to reduce the risk of carbon monoxide poisoning.

Know how to turn off your electricity supply at the mains. Know where your stop valve is and how to turn off your water. Follow NI Water’s advice on protecting your pipes.

ON THE MOVE

Before travelling, tune into the local forecast and Met Office warnings.  

 Check the road conditions and think about alternative routes and allow extra time for your journey. Fully charge your mobile phone and take a charger with you.

Make sure you have appropriate clothing, equipment and food. Pack an emergency travel kit – this will stand you in good stead at any time of year.

If your area is at risk of flooding, remember you should not drive or walk through flood water.

Six inches/15cm of fast‐flowing water can knock over an adult and two feet/just over ½ m can move a car.

IN YOUR COMMUNITY  

In previous years, severe weather left some people vulnerable.

Helping each other a little can make a big difference.

 Identify family members or neighbours who may need an extra helping hand if severe weather strikes, have their phone numbers to hand, offer help with grocery shopping or other essential tasks such as clearing ice or snow from their pathways.

 If you are part of a community group, think about what your group can do to help others during bad weather