Winter Emergency Information
Winter Emergency Information
Be Safe & Well – Be Ready
Severe winter weather caused a lot of problems for many of us last year. So this year, it's important for us all to make preparations in case we face similar conditions.
Winter can be a particularly harsh time for vulnerable members of our community, this resource helps us to look after ourselves and those around us, keeping families, friends, neighbours and homes safe and well this winter.
We will bring you regular updates on the weather, changes to council services and contingency measures by council and relevant statutory agencies on www.derrycity.gov.uk/serviceupdates
This page contains helpful advice, contact numbers and links designed to support you in preparing for and dealing with weather related emergencies.
Click on the links below for advice & information on:
Useful contact numbers
- Northern Ireland Electricity (NIE)
0845 7643 643
- NI Water
0845 7440 088
- Housing Executive - repairs
0344 8920 901
- Airtricity
0845 6019 093
- Phoenix Natural Gas
0845 9005 253
- Firmus Energy
0845 6080 088
- Gas Safe Register
0800 4085 500
- Flooding incident line
0300 2000 100
- Age NI Advice & Advocacy Service
0808 808 7575
- Northern Ireland electricity Critical care Register
08457 643 643
Advice & Information:
Burst pipes and Flooding
Flooding Emergency Incident Line 0300 2000 100
You can call the Flooding Emergency Incident Line on 0300 2000 100 to report serious flooding in your area. The number is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
There are steps you can take to prevent pipes from freezing or bursting.
These include:
- keeping your home as warm as possible, even when it is unoccupied
- lagging pipes which are fitted in exposed or draughty areas
- leaving the trap door to your roof-space open to let warm air flow in
- checking to make sure taps are turned off properly, especially late at night
- never using an electric, gas or paraffin heater in your roof-space
- familiarising yourself with your water supply and locating the main stopcock which turns off the supply to your property.
- write down the name and contact details of a SNIPEF (Scotland & Northern Ireland Plumbing Employers Federation) registered plumber in case a pipe does burst.
If you discover a pipe has frozen, follow these tips:
- put hot water bottles or a thick cloth, soaked in hot water, over the frozen pipe
- begin at the end of the pipe (nearest the tap) and work your way along the pipe
- never use a naked flame.
If a pipe bursts, try the following steps:
- use the main stopcock to turn off the water supply to your home
- if you can't stop the flow of water, drain the system by opening all your cold taps
- if the burst pipe is in your storage tank, turn off the stop valve (this is inside your storage tank)
- drain the system by turning on all your hot taps, allowing the fire to burn out
- turn your heating off until a plumber has examined the burst pipe.
Northern Ireland Water:
You can also contact Northern Ireland Water on 0845 744 0088.
(Northern Ireland Water is only responsible for pipes located outside of your property. For problems with pipes on your property, you should contact your landlord or a plumber).
Northern Ireland Water has also produced a helpful document, Advice on Protecting Your Water Pipes in Winter, which contains information about how to avoid frost damage to your home.
Northern Ireland Housing Executive
The Northern Ireland Housing Executive's district offices and Northern Ireland Water both provide practical advice on how to protect your property from damage during severe cold weather.
Call the Northern Ireland Housing Executive (NIHE) on 0344 892 0900 to find your nearest district office. (Please note that the NIHE can only deal with enquiries from Housing Executive tenants).
Ice & Snow
Clearing ice and snow from pavements yourself
There's no law stopping you from clearing snow and ice on the pavement outside your home or from public spaces. If you clear snow and ice carefully you are unlikely to be held liable.
Tips on clearing ice and snow
- clear ice/snow early in the day: Loose snow is easier removed than hard snow which has packed together from people walking on it
- use salt or sand – NOT water: If you use water to melt the snow, it may refreeze and turn to black ice which is invisible and very slippery
- take care where you move the snow: When you are shovelling snow, take care where you put it so it doesn’t block people’s paths or drains
- prevent slips: Pay extra attention to clear ice and snow from steps and steep pathways – you might need to use more salt on these areas
Clearing ice and snow from pavements
Roads Service does not normally salt footways but where resources permit will work with Councils during prolonged periods of snow and ice to clear footways in busy town centres and pedestrian areas.
People often ask if legally they can clear snow and ice. The fact is there’s no law stopping you from clearing snow and ice on the pavement outside your home or from public spaces.
In 2010, the Attorney General of Northern Ireland advised if you clear snow/ice carefully you are unlikely to be held liable.
Commercial property owners in particular should make sure that they have adequate supplies of salt in place to ensure the safety of employees and visitors.
Travelling by road in winter weather
One of the main things we all have to deal with once the temperature drops is trying to travel safely by road. Below are some tips and advice if you intend travelling by road in wintry conditions.
Motorist Checklist
Additives
Keep windscreen washer and radiator fluid levels full and make sure the water contains anti-freezing additive.
Battery
Keep your battery fully charged.
Lights
Make sure all lights are clean and working properly and always use your headlights when it's snowing.
Tyres
Your tyres (including the spare) should have plenty of tread and be inflated to the correct pressure.
Wipers
Keep wiper blades in good condition.
Windows
Remove all snow and ice from your windows, doors, lights, mirrors, roof and bonnet before setting out.
Play your part
- prepare your car before the winter sets in
- limit your travel to essential trips only
- listen to your local radio station and weather forecasts for traffic news
- plan your route to avoid steep mountainous or lightly travelled roads
- leave early and expect any trip to take at least twice as long as normal
- make sure you bring a mobile phone if at all possible
- slow down and keep a safe distance behind the driver in front
- avoid quick acceleration or sharp braking
- do not obstruct winter service vehicles as they treat the roads
If you get into difficulty
- stop somewhere safe and phone for help if you have a mobile phone
- stay with your vehicle until help arrives
- wrap up warm and drink plenty of fluids (no alcohol)
- run engine to keep warm unless snow blocks exhaust
- if you must leave your vehicle to get help, make sure someone knows where you are going
Extreme weather conditions and icy roads can make driving more difficult. By following the advice below, you can help to make your journey safer. Be prepared and make sure you don't get caught out when severe weather strikes.
Is your journey necessary?
You should always plan your journey and check the latest weather and travel advice. Ask yourself whether you really need to travel - or if you can delay your journey until conditions improve. If you must travel, plan your journey carefully.
Emergency kit
You are advised to carry an emergency kit in your vehicle. A basic kit should include:
- map
- jump leads for the car battery
- torch
- warning triangle
- ice scraper and de-icer
- first-aid kit
- warm clothes
If you're planning a long trip or if severe weather is forecast, you may want to also have in your car:
- a shovel (if there's a chance of snow)
- a pair of boots
- a blanket
- any medication you need to take regularly
- food and a thermos with a hot drink
- sunglasses - because of the glare in snowy conditions
Drive to suit the conditions
When roads are slippery it can take you up to 10 times longer to stop. Reduce your speed and drive with extra care, even if roads have been gritted.
Even after roads have been treated in winter, driving conditions may remain challenging, especially if the road location and layout mean there is a high risk of ice. Be aware that ice forms more easily on:
- hilly or exposed roads
- roads that pass under or over a bridge
- roads shaded by trees or buildings
If you start to skid:
- press the clutch
- steer into the skid
- as you straighten, steer back along the road
Check and service your vehicle
You can reduce your chances of breaking down by regularly servicing your car. You should also:
- top up anti-freeze and screenwash
- check for wear and tear on wiper blades (replace them as soon as they start to smear rather than clean windows)
- make sure your battery is fully charged (batteries last between two and four years - replace yours if it's no longer reliable)
- keep tyre pressure at the manufacturer's recommended level and check you have at least three millimetres of tread
- wipe dirt and spray off headlamps and make sure all bulbs are working
However carefully you plan your journey, things can go wrong. An accident or bad weather could mean that a road is closed for a time. If you find yourself on a stretch of motorway that is closed, stay in the car and listen to traffic news.
Avoid slips and falls in icy conditions
Slips and falls in icy conditions are a common problem. But there are things that we can all do to reduce the risk of getting hurt.
Tips for avoiding slips and falls:
Follow the guidelines below if you do have to go out in icy conditions:
- think about the best route to your destination and plan on a little extra time to get there.
- avoid rushing or taking shortcuts over areas where snow or ice removal is incomplete
- select appropriate footwear - flat footwear with rubber soles provides better traction on ice and snow than leather-soled or high-heeled shoes
- use handrails where you can
- take small steps to keep your centre of balance under you
- avoid carrying lots of heavy shopping bags, especially on steps
- walk slowly and never run on icy ground
- keep both hands free for balance, rather than in your pockets
- always be aware of your surroundings
- many slips and falls occur during entry or exit from vehicles - be particularly careful and hold on to the vehicle for support
- keep paths clear of debris, water, ice and snow
- when entering a building, be sure to use floor mats to remove moisture from the soles of your shoes - this will help protect you, as well as others who follow, from having to walk on wet or slippery surfaces
Power Cuts
NIE Customer Helpline:
If your power is off and you want more information, contact NIE’s Customer Helpline and have your customer number and postcode ready:
- NIE Customer Helpline: 08457 643 643
If you depend on electrical equipment that is vital to your health, contact Northern Ireland Electricity (NIE) to get on their critical care register.
In the event of widespread electricity loss, when you call the Helpline, you might speak to an operator or you might be connected to NIE’s automated service. This service allows you to leave details of the premises affected by the power loss. You will also receive a message with the latest information.
You should try and be prepared, in case your power does go off. You should:
- know where your household fuses and trip switches are
- test smoke alarms regularly and fit new batteries in torches and radios (for checking updates on news bulletins). You can also use your car radio
- if you have a baby at home, make sure you have a supply of pre-prepared formula baby milk and prepare a flask of hot water to heat bottles and baby food
If your electricity goes off
If your electricity goes off, you should:
- check your fuses and trip switches. Then check if your neighbours are without power
- leave one light on
- leave your fridge/ freezer switched on with the door shut to maintain a low temperature
- check that other electrical appliances and machinery are switched off at the wall
- preferably use a torch, oil or gas lamps as a source of light rather than candles. If you must use naked flames, please take extra care and make certain that they are put out before you go to bed
- check on elderly neighbours in your area to make sure they are okay
- avoid driving your car. If you must drive be extra careful as street and traffic lights in your local area may also be disrupted
In an emergency, your gas, electricity or water supplier should keep you informed about service disruptions.
School Closures
We do not look after schools in Derry/ Londonderry. For information on school closures due to bad weather, visit the NI Direct website
Health & Well Being
Advice for Older People
Age NI winter helpline 0808 808 7575.
During winter Age NI is urging older people who are experiencing severe difficulties to call the Age NI Advice and Advocacy service for advice and practical support.
If you need help to stay warm or if you know an older person struggling this winter, contact the Age NI Advice and Advocacy Service on 0808 808 7575.
The following websites also have dedicated information for older people about coping with cold weather including information on cold weather and winter fuel payments:
Visit www.nidirect.gov.uk to check if you are entitled to a payment.
Looking out for neighbours
During winter some of our older and more vulnerable relatives, friends and neighbours can find it difficult to get out and about. Why not lend them a helping hand?
You can help your older neighbours by doing some of the following:
- Call in to make sure that everything is alright and to find out if they need anything.
- Check they are warm enough. Make sure their heating system is working properly and time for the weather. Suggest blankets, hot water bottles and hot drinks.
- Make sure that they are drinking plenty of fluids and eating hot meals.
- Suggest that they get the flu jab from their local GP or health centre.
- Keep an eye our for signs that something could be wrong such as milk not being taken in and curtains remaining closed.
- Make sure there are no fire hazards and that they have a working smoke alarm.
- If you're going out to buy groceries or on other errands, offer to pick up shopping for them.
Council Services
Please see www.derrycity.gov.uk/serviceupdates for up to date information on your council services.