The Public Health Agency (PHA) issued public health advice on 23 January 2025 telling people to look after themselves and others following the red and amber weather warnings issued ahead of Storm Éowyn1. The agency said a red weather warning means there is a risk to life and that the public should stay at home and not travel during this time1.
Dr Joanne McClean, Director of Public Health at the PHA, said vulnerable and older people can find it difficult to keep their house adequately heated, putting them at risk1. The agency's advice on staying warm and safe in the home includes wearing multiple layers of clothing and a hat and gloves, even indoors if it is cold, and heating the main living room to around 18-21ºC (64-70ºF) and the rest of the house to at least 16ºC (61ºF)1. It also advises heating all the rooms used in the day, and, if not all rooms can be heated, keeping the living room warm throughout the day1.
On heating safety, the PHA said it is important to make sure heating is safe and the house is properly ventilated to reduce the risk of carbon monoxide poisoning, and to install an audible carbon monoxide alarm1. It said such alarms have a limited life span and that one that has been in place for a while should be checked to see if it is working properly1. The agency also advised never using an electric blanket and hot water bottle together because of the risk of electrocution, and wearing bed socks and thermal underwear at night1. On food, it said food is a source of energy which helps to keep the body warm, with hot meals and drinks regularly through the day, and that some meals may be prepared in case of disruption to power1.
"With Storm Éowyn set to bring extremely strong winds, a drop in temperature and potential disruption, it’s important to plan ahead to try to reduce its impact."
The agency urged carers or neighbours of people who may be less mobile to offer a hand ahead of the storm, which could mean picking up essentials such as food, gas or electricity top-ups, or repeat prescriptions before the weather gets worse1. It said it is important to avoid travel, remain indoors and stay safe during Storm Éowyn1. The PHA's announcement did not give wind speeds, the areas covered by each warning or the dates and times the warnings apply to; those details have not been reported in its advice. The Met Office's severe weather warning page is cited by the agency for up-to-date information on weather likely to cause disruption1.
Why it matters for households
The advice is aimed at households in the period before and during Storm Éowyn, with particular attention to older and vulnerable people and anyone less mobile, and to the carers and neighbours who can help them1. The practical points cover indoor warmth, safe use of heating and ventilation, avoiding the combined use of an electric blanket and hot water bottle, and having food and hot drinks available in case power is disrupted1. The agency's stated position is that people should stay at home and not travel during a red warning, and avoid travel and remain indoors during the storm1. For the warning levels themselves, the site's guide to Met Office weather warnings explains the difference between yellow, amber and red, and staying well in cold weather sets out the health risks and who is most at risk. The storms and snow hub covers wider household preparation for winter weather.
What happens next
The PHA points readers to the Met Office's severe weather warning page for up-to-date information about weather likely to cause disruption, and to the nidirect "Be ready for emergencies" campaign page for further advice1. No further dated steps were given in the agency's announcement.
Sources (1)
- Public health advice ahead of Storm Éowyn | HSC Public Health Agency, publichealth.hscni.net
