‘Secure all property and stay indoors’ – homeowners urged to prepare for storm
■ Garden furniture, trampolines and bins must be locked down
HOMEOWNERS are being urged to ensure that their properties are secured as the worst of Hurricane Ophelia passes.
Cork-based Civil Defence officer Niall Twomey said it was important people remained indoors while the storm passed, and that they identify items that might be at risk of becoming dangerous in high winds. “The best thing to do is to make sure items of unsecured furniture or equipment are indoors,” he said.
He said farmers should make sure equipment on their property was safe.
“Make sure to lock down anything that’s outside, so it doesn’t pose a danger,” he added.
“I would also tell people to make sure they remain indoors, do not go out on the roads or do any work outside while the storm passes over.”
Mr Twomey said the risk of flooding was highest in coastal communities, while there was an orange warning for rainfall in place.
He said local authorities had information regarding sandbags and would be active in deploying them in the necessary areas.
“It is important that people are well prepared,” he said.
Dublin Fire Brigade echoed Mr Twomey’s advice and issued a message on social media suggesting garden furniture, trampolines and bins should be secured.
It posted a picture of a large inflatable Minion character used as advertising for a business and suggested items such as that should be secured.
At a briefing of the National Emergency Co-ordination Group yesterday, officials also asked people to check on their elderly neighbours.
The Department of Agriculture advised farmers that if they had to go out in the storm to check on their livestock or property, they should not go out alone.
A statement from Galway City Council advised householders and businesses to secure material in gardens and other sites due to the high risk of flying debris.
It advised the public to exercise caution outdoors and avoid exposed coasts in light of the expected extreme winds and likely accompanying rain.
“It is suggested that vulnerable family members and neighbours should be contacted in advance of the storm to see if they have all that they need,” it added.
AA Roadwatch advised against all travel in coastal areas where a severe red weather warning was in place.
It was expecting a “slew” of home insurance claims in the wake of the storm.
Spokesman Conor Faughnan advised homeowners to clear drains, which can block quickly in heavy rain.
He said that people should ensure windows were properly closed and secured during the storm.
He advised people to sweep away lose leaves in the garden and to monitor alarm systems which could go off in the high winds.
Sean Hogan, chair of the National Emergency Co-ordination Centre, told yesterday’s emergency briefing that issues regarding insurance claims would be addressed after the storm has passed.
“Our focus is on public safety and getting people through,” he said, when asked about insurance companies viewing the storm as an act of God.
“We’ll talk again on Tuesday about the impact, when we know what the impact actually has been. There are a number of schemes that have been put in place over the last number of years to assist people who are in need of assistance. And I think Government will be meeting on Tuesday and we can bring whatever ideas we have or whatever knowledge we have,” he said.