Snow and Ice: Take care of yourself and others says Irish Red Cross

The Irish Red Cross has published a list of practical tips on its website which it will update on an ongoing basis to help people cope with accidents and illnesses brought on by the extreme weather, as hospitals and emergency services report a major increase in calls for help announced the organisation's National Vice Chairman, Tony Lawlor.

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"We are keen to provide parents, carers and people generally with some practical advice so that in the event of an accident or illness, people will have some knowledge of basic things they can do. This is part of our community work here in Ireland to help people and to support the States emergency services," said Tony Lawlor

He also emphasised that "prevention is better than cure" is the message from the Irish Red Cross, noting that practical advice on how to avoid personal injuries and other accidents is also available on the Irish Red Cross website.

Mr Lawlor also highlighted the importance of being a good neighbour in these extreme conditions, with the Irish Red Cross encouraging members of the public to keep the area outside their homes or shops free from ice if possible. "Get in touch with anyone you know that you may be able to help by doing their shopping or lending them materials to help them stay warm. Older people and disabled people are likely to need the help of others around them at this time."

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Members of the Irish Red Cross in Dublin Fingal, Dublin Borough, South County Dublin, Kildare and nationwide have again been working to help people in their communities cope with the current extreme weather conditions. In Counties Carlow, Cork, Kilkenny, Laois, Meath, Offaly, Tipperary, Waterford and Wexford special 4x4 ambulances and other vehicles are on standby to help the HSE as needed.

"Our members, who are all volunteers are again giving up their time and braving these dangerous and challenging conditions to help people in their communities. This is an enormous test of both our skill and their dedication, particularly as it comes so swiftly after our work helping victims of the floods seven weeks ago," said Tony Lawlor.

Specialised Irish Red Cross Search & Rescue Teams for mountain and lake regions have also been busy - particularly over the festive period in Wicklow where the Glen of Imaal Red Cross Mountain Rescue Team was called out on numerous occasions to help motorists stranded in their cars.

"We would appeal to people to find out, listen and act on the advice of the Gardaí and other authorities when it comes to planning their journeys and to avoid untreated roads particularly mountainous roads, at this time. Whilst these areas may look scenic and inviting, the reality is that people who go to these areas are putting themselves in considerable danger," concluded Tony Lawlor.

Notes to Editor

• Interviews with Irish Red Cross spokespersons can be arranged.
• A factsheet on First Aid and other Safety Tips is included with this release.
• The Irish Red Cross has recently assisted victims of floods throughout the country and with the support of public donations aims to distribute €1 million to victims of the floods.
• The Irish Red Cross has focussed on building-up a stock of vehicles that are capable of helping people in challenging weather conditions, having invested €3.5 million in both off-road ambulances and other vehicles in the last decade.
• There are approximately 6,000 members of the Irish Red Cross who are all volunteers serving in local communities in every county in Ireland.
• The Irish Red Cross works in its capacity as an auxiliary to the State's emergency services and its role is recognised both in legislation governing the Irish Red Cross and in the State's Major Emergency Planning Framework.
• The Irish Red Cross is a leading provider of Safety and First Aid training, for more information on courses in your area for personal or business use, contact 1890 502 502 or log onto www.redcrosstraining.ie.

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