Welfare checks as Laois faces Orange warning tonight
Laois County Council's Estate Management Section teamed up with Garda Community Policing and Laois Civil Defence to carry out welfare checks this morning., Tuesday 7 January. Photo: Laois Co Council
A STATUS Orange weather warning will come into effect in Laois at 8pm tonight, bringing temperatures that could plunge as low as -10c.
Met Éireann said the warning will remain in place until 10am on Wednesday, with bitterly cold temperatures of -5c to -8c and possibly even -10c.
Laois County Council's Estate Management Section teamed up with Garda Community Policing and Laois Civil Defence to carry out welfare checks this morning. Their focus was on ensuring the safety and wellbeing of elderly and vulnerable residents throughout the county during the big freeze.
Laois-Offaly gardaí said: ‘Portlaoise Community Gardaí, Laois Civil Defence and Laois County Council are working together, as part of an inter-agency initiative, to support the older and vulnerable in County Laois. Today we’ll be out and about checking in on those who might need a hand.’
People are urged to check on elderly, vulnerable and isolated neighbours during the severe weather. Anyone with concerns across the county can phone Portlaoise Garda Station at 057 8674100 or any garda station.
Meanwhile, Laois County Council’s Severe Weather Assessment Team held another meeting today, as they continue to monitor conditions across the county.
In an update at 4.30pm on Tuesday 7 January, the team said:
‘County Laois is the subject of an Orange Weather Warning for Low Temperature/Ice, from 8pm this evening (Tuesday) until 10am tomorrow (Wednesday).
‘Severe frost, icy stretches and freezing fog are likely tonight and over the coming days.
‘Notwithstanding ongoing salting of rostered routes, motorists are urged to exercise caution on the road network, to slow down and to prioritise use of treated roads.
‘Hazards remain on the road network and those hazards may not be as visible as they were in recent days.
‘Check fog lights and use them appropriately. Exercise patience and avoid overtaking.’
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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.
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 are advised to prepare for this period of severe weather, including ensuring their mobile phone is fully charged to enable communication.
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.
