Following Met Eireann’s weather warning this morning, it is very important that householders and drivers take additional steps to protect their assets and themselves at this time.
We are told to expect widespread frost at night, icy patches and freezing fog over the weekend and well into next week. There are a number of simple steps we can take to limit any damage or loss during this period.
Firstly, in relation to your own home, ensure you have adequate fuel to keep yourself, your family and the house warm and avoid the awful consequence of burst pipes. Remember, if you can, to check on elderly relatives and neighbours as the cold can be harder on them.
If you are leaving home for Christmas do not turn off your heating, reduce it to a minimum, e.g. 30 minutes in the morning and 30 minutes in the evening. A simple timer can be bought in most DIY outlets.
In freezing conditions you can leave the kitchen tap trickling (very slightly) as moving water will not freeze. Finally do not leave cables to external lights through open windows.
If you own a holiday home and perhaps you are planning to spend time there over the Christmas, the last thing you want is to arrive and find it under a few feet of water. Make sure that either all water tanks, apparatus, pipes and heating systems are drained down or that the central heating system, where present, is switched on at regular daily intervals. If the system is not set to do this currently you may have a neighbour who can do it for you. Give them a call as soon as possible.
On the roads, take extra care over the next few days. Where we have frost and icy roads, only make journeys by car where it is absolutely necessary. Drive slowly and leave plenty of room between you and any other traffic.
Use your fog lights where required and don’t forget to turn them off when the fog clears.
Prepare carefully for your journey and put some basic provisions into your car. Having a can of de-icer in the car can be a useful addition at this time. A tow rope and small fireplace shovel are useful tools if you breakdown in the snow and a small bag of gravel may help give your wheels traction if they get stuck. A red triangle sign, independent flashing light and breakdown kit should also be in your boot.
On longer journeys you should consider having some basic provisions, food, hot drinks in flasks and also a travel rug in case of a breakdown in an isolated area. Finally always have your mobile phone charged when going out in bad weather, in case you need to make a call in an emergency.
It is worth remembering that we do not face these conditions often and are not used to driving in them – the cold, ice and snow should be respected for the danger they can pose. By taking the right precautions a white Christmas will be a far more enjoyable experience.
- Michael Whelehan
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