Lockdown: Local emergency numbers and advice on staying safe
By Aura McMenamin
As Storm Emma approaches Dublin people are being asked to remain indoors while blizzard conditions continue into the evening.
A status red warning has been issued by Met Éireann for parts of the East Coast, including Dublin, stating that blizzard-like conditions will develop into heavy snow this evening - with temperatures expected to be as low as minus 4 degrees.
Image of the M50 as it travels towards the Red Cow roundabout this evening as the 'lockdown' kicks in
There are several emergency numbers that people across South Dublin County can ring in the event of an emergency.
Some numbers for you to jot down during the current icy conditions #sneachta #BeWinterReady pic.twitter.com/StJ4ICb2Af
— South Dublin Co Co (@sdublincoco) February 28, 2018
South Dublin County Council has advised the public to heed Met Eireann's weather warnings throughout this period, and to stay indoors.
Please make your way home or indoors as conditions are worsening throughout the county. https://t.co/eZ9ohd1fMu
— South Dublin Co Co (@sdublincoco) March 1, 2018
The council also asked, where safe, that people check on their vulnerable or elderly neighbours, saying: “Try to call on older neighbours and offer to assist them in severe weather, ensure that they have sufficient supplies of food and medications.
“Ensure that they have sufficient fuel supplies to maintain heating in their homes.”
Members of the public can log issues caused by snowfall and low temperatures to the council’s www.fixyourstreet.ie.
Issues can also be reported to the council on its emergency number 01-4574907 – which The Echo has learned is operating throughout the duration of the storm.
The council’s homeless section has organised the availability of shelters for both night and daytime use and the out-reach team will be active over the coming days. The council said that any reports of people sleeping rough should be made by calling 1800 707 707.
Alongside the council, AA Ireland is also keeping people posted on road conditions, with the message to stay indoors and off the roads being re-enforced this evening.
Further advice on dealing with extremely cold conditions and snow is available at www.winterready.ie.
People are heeding advice to stay off the roads – Katherine Tynan Road in Tallaght this evening
ESB
ESB Networks stated that the incoming snow may impact people’s networks in the coming days. They advised people to check https://esbnetworks.ie/apps/faultlogging/CheckStatus#/ for any fault in their network.
Dublin Fire Brigade has also reminded people to have the torches and candles at hand in the event of a power cut – and to have phones charged.
Be prepared if the electricty goes #BeastFromTheEast
✔ Torches (Spare Batteries)
✔ Candles (LED if possible)
✔ Bottled Water
✔ Working Smoke Alarm
✔ Charged mobile phone(s)
✔ Alternative methods of heat
✔ Blankets
✔ ESB: 1850 372 999
✔ MPRN & https://t.co/XtIaZpZRLN pic.twitter.com/4KswR56OvD— Dublin Fire Brigade (@DubFireBrigade) February 27, 2018
Hospitals
In a statement this afternoon from the Midlands Hospital Group, which includes Tallaght Hospital and St James’, it was confirmed that A&E departments are open.
“Hospital Emergency Departments continue to be busy and we expect difficulties around discharge planning as a consequence of the adverse conditions”, the statement said.
“We would encourage people to consider all options available to them for their healthcare needs and to protect the ED for those most seriously ill as delays can be expected.
“The hospitals will be monitoring the situation on an hour by hour basis and using all channels of communications to update patients / clients and the general public regarding any changes to service provision.”
Tallaght Hospital at 4am on Wednesday morning. Picture courtesy of a nurse on duty.
The statement added: “The Hospital Group has been working with Hospitals to plan and prepare for the adverse weather conditions predicted by Met Eireann over the coming days.
“This planning is informing the National Crisis Management Team who are working collaboratively with Local Authorities, National Ambulance Service, An Garda Siochana and Met Eireann to ensure plans are in place for the safe delivery of services for both staff and members of the public.”
Visit the Tallaght Hospital Facebook page for updates or @HSELive (on Twitter).
Further updates and advice will be issued throughout the coming days via local and national media and through the council’s website, Twitter and Facebook pages.
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