ALONE encourage older people to take extra care as Met Éireann issues orange weather warning for the Galway, Clare, Limerick, Kerry and Cork

Dublin, 6^th December 2021   ALONE is urging older people to take extra care following the status orange weather warning issued by Met Éireann for Galway, Clare, Limerick, Kerry and Cork as Storm Barra develops over the Atlantic. In place from 3am on Tuesday morning to 11pm Wednesday night, very strong westerly winds which could see damaging gusts of up to 130km/h which could lead to high waves, high tides, heavy rain and storm surge.

Met Éireann have warned that these winds combined with high seas could result in a significant risk of flooding in coastal areas. A yellow wind warning is already in place for the entire country until 11 pm on Wednesday night, with a possibility of localized flooding.

Older people are often the most vulnerable during storms and bad weather conditions. Those who are most at risk are older people who live alone, those with health issues and those with mobility issues.

ALONE is advising older people who are concerned about their own wellbeing during the stormy weather to ask for assistance and help if needed. They are also calling on members of the public to check in with their older neighbours and relatives and assist them if they need to travel to the local shop, post office or medical appointments during the bad weather. A handy list includes;

• Have a torch with working batteries at hand if there is no electricity
• A warm blanket if the heating goes off
• Ensure their mobile/landline phone is fully charge
• Have fuel for the fire inside
• A flask of hot tea or soup prepared
• Have their medication to hand in case of no lights
• A few local emergency numbers at hand in case they are needed.
• Have numbers for Local Garda Station number/Fire Brigade/ Family members who live close.
• Have the ALONE National number 0818 222024 should they require assistance

Seán Moynihan, CEO of ALONE commented, “Following a status orange weather warning for Galway, Clare, Limerick, Kerry and Cork, we are calling on all members of the public to remember their older neighbours living alone and to consider their needs. We’re advising older people to be prepared by ensuring they have adequate heat, medication, food and to stay indoors where possible.”

He continued, “With the possibility of localized flooding, it is important that older people prioritise spending on food and heat in the coming days.”

Contact ALONE 0818 222 024 if you have concerns about your own wellbeing, or the wellbeing of a vulnerable older person in the community. Further information, including advice and tips for older people in extreme weather conditions, can be found on www.alone.ie.