Most importantly, do not touch fallen power lines.

ESB Networks have warned people not to touch fallen power lines during Ex-Hurricane Ophelia on Monday. The massive storm is expected to batter the entire country throughout the day, moving up from Cork and Kerry to cover the entire country. The ESB posted the following on their website to ensure that people stay safe during the unprecedented event.

An updated status red wind warning has been issued from Met Éireann for all parts of the country. ESB Networks expects extensive damage to electricity infrastructure with many customers without electricity from early tomorrow morning. When safe to do so, ESB Networks crews will be dispatched to the affected areas making the electricity network safe and assessing the damage, so that power can be restored as quickly and effectively as possible. Our priority will be taking calls relating to emergency and dangerous situations.  ESB Networks asks customers to phone ESB Networks on 1850 372 999 if they see fallen wires or damage to the electricity Network. Under no circumstances should anyone approach fallen wires or any debris, equipment, animals etc which may be close to or touching a fallen wire.  These are likely to be live. Please make sure to have a torch when going outside in darkness in case the storm has caused trees to fall down on the Electricity Network. For information on outages, please check Powercheck.ie and we will be updating Twitter and our website esbnetworks.ie  with updates on repairs and restoration times throughout the day. To be prepared to be without Electricity in case their area is hit by the storm:

• Have plenty of food and water available
• Have torches with spare batteries available
• Make sure your phone is charged and if possible you have a phone charger for your car
• Please check that elderly or vulnerable relatives and neighbours are prepared to be without electricity
• If you have electric gates please check you know how to work them manually

An Important Public Safety Message: If you come across fallen wires or damaged electricity network, never, ever touch or approach these as they are LIVE and extremely dangerous. Please report any damage to electricity infrastructure by calling 1850 372 999. ESB Networks is reminding customers of the precautionary measures to take in the event of a power cut:

• never approach broken lines or damaged poles, and keep children and animals away – report damage to ESB Networks at 1850 372 999 and listen to recorded messages carefully
• ensure mobile phones are charged
• turn off electric cookers, ovens, irons, etc. if electricity supply is lost
• leave a light switched on so you know when power has been restored
• take extra care if using candles, oil lamps or other naked flames
• test smoke alarms with fresh batteries
• ensure adequate ventilation if using gas heaters.