Storm Éowyn - information and advice
Date published:
Emergency numbers
You should note the following numbers in case of emergency:
- emergency services – 999 or 112
- Northern Ireland Electricity Networks – 03457 643 643
- NI Gas Emergency Service – 0800 002 001
- Northern Ireland Water Waterline – 03457 440 088
- Flooding Incident Line – 0300 2000 100
- Housing Executive – 03448 920 901
Damaged electricity equipment or power lines
Do not approach any damaged electricity equipment or broken power lines.
Be extra careful around fallen trees, as they often take electricity poles and wires with them as they fall.
Be aware that electricity can jump gaps.
Report anything that looks dangerous to NIE Networks on:
- phone: 03457 643643
Reporting a power cut or damaged power line
If your power is off or you've found a damaged power line, you can report it or get more information - contact NIE Networks or visit their website:
- NIE Networks Customer Helpline: 03457 643 643
- Power cuts
Electricity supply
You can get information about electricity supply, including an updated list of areas affected by power cuts, on the NIE Networks website.
Local councils information and community assistance or drop-in centres
You can find your local council area information, including about community assistance and drop-in centres, at these links:
- Antrim and Newtownabbey
- Ards and North Down
- Armagh, Banbridge and Craigavon
- Belfast
- Causeway Coast and Glens
- Derry and Strabane
- Fermanagh and Omagh
- Lisburn and Castlereagh
- Mid and East Antrim
- Mid-Ulster
- Newry, Mourne and Down
There is also information about community assistance or drop-in centres at this link:
Water supply
If there are difficulties with water supply and sewerage, you will get the most up-to-date information on areas experiencing disruption and what is being done on the NI Water website. This includes a full postcode search facility.
You can also phone Waterline 24 hours a day/ 365 days a year on:
- 03457 440088
Older people, people with a serious medical condition, or people who need extra help for any other reason can join the NI Water customer care register to get a range of free extra services.
Carbon monoxide dangers
If you're without electricity, using equipment such as kerosene heaters, charcoal grills (BBQs) and portable generators indoors can cause carbon monoxide levels high enough to result in carbon monoxide poisoning.
Only equipment designed to be used indoors should be brought inside the home.
For any fuel-burning equipment indoors:
- there must be good ventilation
- it must be used with a carbon monoxide alarm
Always follow the manufacturer's guidance.
There is further advice at this link:
Symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning include headaches, nausea, breathlessness, dizziness, collapse, and loss of consciousness.
If affected, you should:
- open doors and windows for ventilation and go outside into the fresh air
- go to your GP or nearest Emergency Department
- if it's urgent, call 999
- call the relevant emergency advice line
- Gas Emergency Service (24 hours) 0800 002 001
- Oil (OFTEC) 0845 65 85 080
Food safety advice
If a power cut has affected your home and you have no electricity supply, it’s important you continue to store and prepare food safely.
You can find advice at this link:
If your water supply is cut off, it is recommended using alcohol-based hand sanitiser for cleaning your hands before touching food.
Report a fallen tree or blocked road
You can report a fallen tree or blocked road at the following link:
Roads information
Work is ongoing to remove obstructions. Road users are advised to use caution, as there is debris on some roads and roadsides.
You can get the latest updates about roads at this link:
Where roads are closed, follow road signs and any diversions in place.
Public transport
For the latest information on bus and train services, go to the Translink website.
School closures
You can find information about schools affected by the bad weather at this link:
MOT and driving tests
Driver and Vehicle Agency (DVA) testing services resumed as scheduled on Saturday 25 January.
DVA will contact directly all customers whose bookings were affected by Storm Éowyn to reschedule their appointments.
Unless you receive a notification from DVA, you should arrive for your appointment as scheduled.
Public libraries
All public libraries are open, with free Wi-Fi, power outlets, and seating.
Find out more about the services available at:
Financial help for short-term living expenses
If you are in an extreme or exceptional situation, or you are in a crisis, you can apply for help from Discretionary Support.
Depending on your personal circumstances, you could be offered either an interest-free loan or a grant that you would not have to pay back.
Forests, country parks, nature reserves and angling
Safe public access at all sites affected by the storm will be reinstated as soon as possible.
Bird keepers
Bird keepers are reminded to be extra vigilant during the clean-up following the storm.
Flooding or damage to hen houses can increase the risk of an avian influenza incursion.
Health services
Urgent and emergency care services are open as normal.
Use the Phone First service for your local Health and Social Care Trust before travelling to an Emergency Department.
However, call 999 if you or someone you care for is experiencing a life-threatening emergency.
You can find information from the Trusts at these links:
Financial help if your house floods
If your home is flooded due to the weather, contact the local council and ask about their emergency payments scheme.
Rogue traders
Following the damage caused by Storm Éowyn, rogue traders may target people who need repairs to their property.
If you have home insurance, contact your insurer as soon as you can to check that you are covered for storm damage.
Before having home repair work carried out by a trader:
- ask your neighbours, family and friends for trader recommendations
- speak to previous customers for references and view the work, where possible
- check if they are a member of a trade body with an arbitration scheme
- take your time and do not be pressurised into making a decision
- get at least three written quotes to compare
- never agree to work on the doorstep - always say no to cold callers who turn up out of the blue offering to do work no matter how convincing they may seem
- never pay for work up front and part pay by card for added protection
- only pay for work once you're happy that it has been completed to the agreed standard
- always get a detailed written contract and agree a fixed price
- make sure you're provided with the name of the trader, their address and telephone number
- be careful when using online trader recommendation sites - be aware that traders who respond to requests for work have not been approved by the platform
- be careful of online reviews as these may not be genuine