How to Stay Safe During a Storm: Essential Advice

As Storm Amy approaches Cork this week, with Status Yellow weather warnings already in place, knowing how to prepare and respond can make all the difference. From securing your property to knowing which numbers to call in an emergency, this guide covers everything Cork residents need to stay safe when severe weather strikes.

Storm Amy, the first named storm of the 2025/26 season, is forecast to bring heavy rainfall on Thursday followed by strong to near gale force winds on Friday. Met Éireann has issued a Status Yellow rain warning for Munster from 6am until 8pm Thursday, followed by a Status Yellow wind warning for the entire country from noon Friday until midnight.

The storm is not one to be taken lightly. Forecasters warn that widespread rain on Thursday may lead to localised flooding, difficult travelling conditions, and blocked drains, whilst Friday's strong winds could bring debris, displaced loose objects, and possibly fallen trees. With the ground already saturated from Thursday's heavy rain, Friday's wind event could see some localised flooding alongside the gusty conditions.

Before Storm Amy Arrives

Preparation is your first line of defence, and with the storm bearing down on us, now is the time to act. Secure loose items in your garden, including bins, furniture, and garden equipment that could become dangerous projectiles in high winds. Check your roof for loose tiles or slates, and clear gutters and drains to prevent water buildup, particularly important with Thursday's heavy rain forecast.

Stock up on essentials, including bottled water, non-perishable food, batteries, torches, and a first aid kit. Charge all mobile devices and power banks. If you have a battery-powered or wind-up radio, make sure it's working. You'll want to stay informed even if the power goes out.

Know your risks. If you live in a flood-prone area, identify your escape routes and prepare sandbags if available. Move valuable items and important documents to higher floors. Take photos of your property for insurance purposes before any damage occurs.

During the Storm

Stay indoors and away from windows. The safest place is usually an interior room on the ground floor, away from external walls. Never go outside to secure loose items once the storm has started; it's simply not worth the risk.

Unplug non-essential electrical equipment to protect against power surges. If flooding begins to affect your property, turn off electricity at the mains if you can do so safely. Never touch electrical equipment if you're standing in water.

Keep your mobile phone charged and conserve battery life. Monitor weather updates from Met Éireann and follow Cork Safety Alerts on social media for real-time local updates. If you need to report an emergency, always dial 112 or 999 for immediate assistance.

Essential Emergency Contacts

Keep these numbers readily available. For life-threatening emergencies, always call 112 or 999 to reach the Gardaí, fire service, ambulance, or coast guard.

For power outages, contact ESB Networks at 1800 372 999 or 021 238 2410. Have your MPRN (meter point reference number) ready when calling. If you smell gas or suspect a gas leak, immediately call Gas Networks Ireland at 1800 20 50 50 with your GPRN ready.

For water supply issues or burst mains, contact Irish Water at 1800 278 278 or 01 707 2828. If you're experiencing localised flooding or storm-related damage affecting public areas, Cork City Council operates an emergency line at 021 496 6512, whilst Cork County Council can be reached at 021 480 0048.

For urgent medical issues that aren't emergencies, SouthDoc operates out-of-hours GP services at 0818 355 999. Cork's main hospitals include Cork University Hospital at 021 492 2000 and Mercy University Hospital at 021 427 1971.

If you witness a storm-related incident or need to report local conditions, Cork Safety Alerts operates an incident report line at 1800 938 106, staffed Monday to Friday from 9am to 5pm, with voicemail available outside these hours.

After Storm Amy Passes

When it's safe, check your property for damage, taking photos for insurance claims.

Be cautious of downed power lines and never approach them. Report them immediately to ESB Networks. Avoid driving through standing water; just six inches of moving water can sweep a car away, and you can't tell how deep the water is or if the road beneath has been damaged.

Check on elderly or vulnerable neighbours who might need assistance. Cork's community spirit shines brightest after difficult weather, and a simple knock on the door can make all the difference.

Insurance and Documentation

Contact your insurance company as soon as possible to report any damage. Most policies require prompt notification. Document everything with photographs and keep receipts for any emergency repairs or accommodation costs.

If your property is uninhabitable, your insurance may cover temporary accommodation. Don't wait; make the call and find out what you're entitled to claim.

Stay Connected and Informed

During severe weather, Cork Safety Alerts provides real-time updates across multiple platforms. With over 280,000 followers across social media and mobile apps available on iOS and Android, it's often the fastest way to learn about local conditions, road closures, and developing situations.

With Storm Amy's heavy rain arriving Thursday and strong winds following Friday, there's no time like the present to get prepared. Secure loose items today, stock up on essentials, and keep those emergency numbers handy. Stay safe, stay informed, and look after each other. That's the Cork way.