ALONE express concern for older people in need following orange weather warning

Dublin, 12^th November 2015  ALONE is urging older people to take extra care following an amber weather warning by Met Éireann for parts of the country over the next two days.

‘Storm Abigail’ is expected to bring heavy winds to Ireland, with gusts of up to 120km/h expected in parts of Donegal, Leitrim, Galway, Mayo and Sligo. In anticipation, Met Éireann has issued a Status Orange warning for these areas. Status Yellow warnings have been issued for Roscommon, Clare, Cork, Kerry and Limerick with gusts of up to 100km/h expected.

Older people can be more vulnerable during poor weather and stormy conditions. Older people most at risk are those living alone, those with health issues, and those with limited mobility. ALONE is calling on members of the public to check on their older neighbours and assist them if they need to travel to the local shop or post office during the bad weather. ALONE is also asking older people who are concerned about their own wellbeing during the stormy weather to call for assistance and help if needed.

Seán Moynihan, CEO of ALONE commented, “Following a status orange weather warning from Met Éireann 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.”

Those who have concerns for an older person, or older people in need of assistance can contact ALONE on (01) 679 1032. The charity, which depends on donations from the public, has volunteers and staff ready to act on requests for assistance, and works in partnership to ensure all calls for assistance are responded to. ALONE can assist and advise on issues relation to food, heat, or medication. Older people are also advised to have a list of important phone numbers close to their home phone.

Further information, including advice and tips for older people in cold weather conditions, can be found on www.alone.ie.

In order to help a vulnerable older person during Storm Abigail:

• Ensure the leaves are other debris are cleared from the gutters. This avoids rainwater overflowing on the roof.
• Ensure the tiles and slates on the roof are secure. This avoids water damage.
• Check that the aerial and other loose items on the roof are properly fitted.
• Ensure the garden furniture and other loose items around the garden are properly secure or stored in the shed/inside.
• Check that the front gate is properly locked.
• Check that the smoke alarm works.
• Call up the older person daily to ensure they are feeling okay.
• Ensure the heating system is working (i.e. central heating, gas, electricity). Avoid open fires where possible.
• Let the Gardai Siochana or fire department know if there is a vulnerable older person who may be alone during this storm. They may need help if there is a power shortage or evacuation.

Here are some tips if you are an older person living alone:

• Do not light any candles or leave any lit candles in an empty room.
• Make sure any electrical equipment and Christmas decorations (i.e. fairy lights) are properly fitted and connected. Always unplug them before leaving the house.
• Check you are stocked up on any medication you need so you don’t have to go out to buy more during the storm.
• Check you are stocked up on dry and tinned food products. This is very helpful during an orange warning storm.
• Ensure you have enough credit on your mobile phone.
• Emergency contact number: 999 or 112
• Emergency SMS number: 112.
• This text service allows deaf, hard of  hearing and speech impaired people in Ireland send a text to the Emergency Call Answering Service, who then contacts the Gardai Síochána.
• Don’t be afraid to ask a trustworthy neighbour / friend / nurse to check up on you every day to make sure that you have everything you need.
• Make sure to drink plenty of water throughout the day.