15/11/2011
Following two harsh winters, many Government departments and agencies are involved in a new campaign to raise awareness and to ensure a coordinated response to severe weather conditions.
The key messages of the Winter-Ready campaign are that people should be prepared, know how to stay safe and know where to find help if needed.
A 16-page booklet with advice for householders, motorists, pedestrians, schools, the farming and business communities on what to do should another big freeze or flooding incident hit is available from the Office of Emergency Planning as well as available online at www.winterready.ie.
There is also plenty of very useful advice for motorists about how to ensure your vehicle is winter-ready as well as tips for motoring in snow, ice, high winds, floods and fog.
One section of the booklet outlines advice from the Attorney General on clearing paths of snow from the front of their homes or commercial premises, stating that liability does not arise when snow is cleared from footpaths in a safe manner. In relation to people gritting roads with grit supplied by the local authorities, the legal advice is that the issue of liability does not arise where the material is delivered, stored and used in a safe manner and does not cause a hazard. To obtain a copy of the booklet “Be Winter Ready” email the Office of Emergency Planning at [email protected], lo-call 1890 252 736 or download from www.winterready.ie
Severe weather challenges all of us. Activities that we take for granted can become difficult or even hazardous when severe weather occurs. However, by taking some simple steps you can reduce the impact of such events.
