Key Public Safety Messages below for the weekend from today’s National Call:

News

We’ll take direction from the local SWAT on Kerry specific public messaging.

Kerry & Cork have a warning for Heavy Rain transitioning to sleet and snow and while this warning is currently Yellow,
Met Eireann have briefed “not to be hung up on the colour of the warnings” as there could be orange level snow in yellow areas
and vice-versa and significant uncertainly exists as to where snow / sleet / graupel / rain will actually fall.

  • Wintry showers and icy surfaces will lead to difficult travel conditions
  • Driving conditions will be hazardous, even where roads are gritted, slow down, drive with caution, be aware of other road users and allow extra time for your journey
  • Take extra care while walking: footpaths etc. can be extremely hazardous/slippery due to ice
  • Check on elderly, vulnerable and isolated neighbours
  • Keep your phone charged and take it with you on all journeys. In an emergency dial 999 or 112
  • The Be Winter Ready website https://www.gov.ie/en/campaigns/aa78b9-be-winter-ready provides further advice on preparing for severe weather.
  • People are advised to prepare for this period of severe weather including ensuring their mobile phone is fully charged to enable communication.
  • Monitor Met Éireann forecasts and/or visit https://www.met.ie/ for the most up to date information. Information is available across social media platforms and other news media sources.
  • ESB Emergency Services can be contacted at 1800 372 999. The public can monitor www.PowerCheck.ie.
  • Uisce Éireann Customers can check their website and social media channels for updates and to get in touch with any issues or concerns via our 24/7 customer care centre at 1800 278 278. People can also sign up online to free text alert system to get regular updates about their local supplies – see www.water.ie.
  • People are advised to conserve water, and visit https://www.water.ie for advice
  • Farmers are advised to take all precautions when dealing with livestock and possibly working alone
  • People travelling long journeys check weather/ road conditions not just where they are starting from, but at their destination and along the route, as conditions may vary significantly.

The RSA is advising road users to be prepared for treacherous road conditions.

Friday 3 January 2025. With extreme low temperatures and multi-hazardous conditions expected, the Road Safety Authority (RSA) is urging all road users to be prepared, exercise caution and stay informed.

It comes as a status orange snow and ice warning has been issued for Carlow, Kilkenny, Wicklow, Clare, Limerick and Tipperary for snow and ice from 5pm Saturday until 5pm on Sunday. A yellow warning for sleet and snow is in place for much of the country for the same period with heavy rain expected in southern parts also.

Motorists – Before setting off:

  • Remember your only contact with the road surface is your tyres so it’s vital that they are up to the task in icy and snowy conditions. Check tyres, including the spare wheel, and replace them if the tread depth falls below 3mm. Check that tyres are inflated to the correct tyre pressure.
  • Be Safe, Be Seen, make sure your headlights and taillights are all in working order. Replace broken bulbs.
  • Remove accumulations of snow and ice from the vehicle.
  • Clear your windows and mirrors before you set out, carry a screen scraper and deicer. Don’t use hot water on the windscreen as it can crack the glass.
  • De-mist the inside of your windows thoroughly. Make sure your windshield washer system works and is full of an anti-icing fluid.
  • Be prepared for sun glare by having sunglasses within reach.
  • People travelling long journeys are advised to check weather/ road conditions not just where you are starting from, but at your destination and along the route, as conditions may vary significantly.
  • Ask yourself, is your journey essential?
  • Allow extra time for your journey.

In prolonged icy or snowy driving conditions it is advisable to carry the following in the boot of the car:

  • High Visibility Vest
  • Tow rope
  • Spare bulbs
  • Spare fuel
  • A shovel
  • Appropriate footwear in case you have to leave your vehicle i.e. boots
  • A hazard warning triangle
  • Spare wheel (with tyre at correct pressure and tread). Some cars may have an inflation repair kit instead of a spare wheel. Make sure that you know
  • how to use it.
  • De-icing equipment (Both for glass and door locks)
  • First aid kit (in good order)
  • A working torch
  • A car blanket, additional clothing, some food and water

When driving:

  • Manoeuvre gently, slow down and leave extra distance between you and the vehicle in front.
  • Use dipped headlights when visibility is reduced. Use your fog lights if visibility drops below 100 metres. Turn fog lights off when visibility improves.
  • Avoid harsh braking, steering and acceleration.
  • Use the highest gear possible to avoid wheel spin.
  • Select a low gear when travelling downhill especially if through bends.
  • When you slow down, use your brakes so that the brake lights will warn drivers behind you.
  • Watch out for black ice especially in sheltered / shaded areas on roads, under trees and adjacent to high walls.
  • If in a slid
    • Try not to panic or jam on brakes
    • Steer gently into slide – if car is sliding to the right, steer to the right.
    • A little steering will go a long way

Pedestrians:

  • If a journey cannot be avoided, be extremely careful as frost, ice and snow will make walking on footpaths very dangerous.
  • Walk on the right-hand side of the road, facing traffic if there are no footpaths.
  • Remember that footpaths may not be treated so walk with extreme care.
  • Make sure you are wearing appropriate footwear, wear shoes or boots with appropriate traction.
  • Avoid walking in the streets at all costs if possible. Remember, cars and trucks slip and slide, too! If it’s an emergency, and you can’t avoid the street, wear bright or reflective clothing.
  • Ice can easily hide under a light dusting of snow. Just because you don’t see the ice doesn’t mean it’s not there
  • It’s not a good idea to go jogging in snow or icy conditions.
  • Ask yourself, is your journey essential?
  • Be Safe. Be Seen. Visibility and light are reduced in poor weather conditions. Keep safe by making sure you can be seen. Wear bright clothing and consider wearing high visibility material.

Motorcyclists, E-scooters and people cycling:

  • Don’t compromise your safety by your ‘need’ to travel in icy/snow conditions.
  • Cancel your journey if it is not essential or take alternative transport.
  • Be Safe, Be Seen, visibility is reduced in snowy conditions. For e-scooters and those cycling, wear a Sam Browne Bandoleer belt or high visibility vest and ensure the lights are working correctly – appropriate front and rear lights.
  • Be Safe, Be Seen, motorcyclists, should wear an approved helmet and consider clear eye protection, make sure all lights are working and wear a high visibility vest.

Motorcyclists should avoid wearing a dark visor in any bad light conditions.

  • For advice on severe weather driving tips, please see severe weather advice on the RSA website or check out the RSA Facebook and Twitter pages.
  • Please also see our severe weather warning videos created in collaboration with Teresa Mannion for driving in snow, fog, on icy roads and on flooded roads.

For more weather updates, visit Met Éireann’s website: www.met.ie

For more information visit www.rsa.ie

RSA press office contact: 096 25008

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