An Garda Síochána issued an update today, Wednesday, January 29, about its ongoing response to last week's record-breaking Storm Éowyn and how it is supporting communities who are still recovering.
An Garda Síochána said on Wednesday that, where possible, it is supporting the ongoing efforts by Ireland's National Emergency Co-ordination Group (NECG) across the country and in the primary affected counties.
The Irish police force said it is maintaining contact with and supporting isolated and vulnerable citizens and is encouraging everyone to do the same, noting that many individuals who have lost electricity and phone and Internet services "may not be in a position to hear public safety messages or make contact with others."
An Garda Siochana added: "If you are aware of family, friends, or neighbours who you have not heard from or who may be isolated or continue to be in a vulnerable situation, please make contact with An Garda Síochána or another appropriate service. Do not assume that somebody else has!"
An Garda Síochána also continued to make appeals to people not to touch or approach any fallen or low-hanging wires on the electricity network, and to exercise extreme caution on the rod network due to fallen trees and other debris.
ESB Ireland, Ireland’s foremost energy company, said that as of 11:30 am on Wednesday, supply had been restored to 635,000 homes, farms , and businesses, but that approximately 133,000 customers remained without supply, down from a peak of 768,000 following Storm Éowyn.
Meanwhile, Uisce Éireann, Ireland's state-owned water utility company, said that approximately 7,500 premises remain without water as of lunchtime on Wednesday following Storm Éowyn. Additional progress is expected to be made today in restoring supplies to more areas.
In its update on Wednesday, An Garda Síochána also issued warnings about scams and bogus tradespeople.
People are advised to be "wary of any/all text messages or emails received," and to "never click on a link or reply directly to an unknown number."
"Always break the thread and make separate contact directly with the alleged service or utility provider," An Garda Siochana said, "Control the communications with unknown/unrecognized numbers."
An Garda Siochana said to be careful over the coming days regarding "cold / unannounced visitors to your home," and provided these tips on what to do in such an event:
- Tell the caller that you never employ tradespeople ‘cold calling’ to your door. Ask for a sales brochure or other documentation that you can subsequently investigate and verify as credible. This should have a contact telephone number, known address, and a VAT-registered number.
- Be particularly careful where sales documentation only displays mobile contact numbers or incomplete addresses.
- Checking online can assist in establishing the credibility and bona fides of the company or individual concerned.
- If you are satisfied that the company or individual is credible and you still think you want to employ them, ask for an itemised written quotation for the services being offered and ask them for references from people they have previously worked for.
- Never solely rely on the accuracy of the information being offered to you. Verify the information yourself.
- You should always seek comparable estimates from other established reputable companies.
- Never engage a person who insists on cash payment for services offered. Even when employing a reputable company, always use a method of payment that is traceable.
- Never leave strangers, even bona fide workers, unsupervised in your home.
An Garda Siochana added: "For those people who may have elderly or vulnerable neighbours or friends, be a good neighbour and advise them of these possible scams
"If you suspect that bogus callers or tradespeople are in your area and appear suspicious or are working in a vulnerable neighbour’s home – never hesitate in contacting the Gardaí immediately. Genuine tradespeople will not be offended by any enquiries the Gardaí may make and, indeed, usually welcome them.
"If people see anything suspicious, please report it to Gardaí, as it may stop someone else falling victim to these people. In an emergency, always call 999/112."
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