We need more foresight, says north Westmeath resident
North Westmeath resident Mary Flanagan was one of the many people whose lives were badly disrupted by Storm Éowyn, and who made some solid suggestions about how we could be better prepared.
Speaking to the Westmeath Examiner – from her car, as she had no power in her house – on Sunday, she said one thing that the new TDs could do is put flyers in homes in affected areas “advising and inviting people to places to convene for a chat or a cup of tea”. Many people won’t ask for help, Mary says, and an invite would encourage them to take up offers.
Mary said she had prepared in advance of the storm; she had stocked up on water and logs for the fire, and had moved garden items to protect them from the wind. When the power went off, and was ready, but what she wasn’t prepared for was the complete lack of phone coverage – even the emergency only call on her mobile didn’t work, she said.
“I could have fallen down the stairs with a candle, there’s elderly people going around with candles. It is dangerous, there’s a huge risk there, and you don’t have to be elderly to miss a step on the stairs, and fall, and a candle in your hand. It’s not just that you could have a broken ankle, leg, or arm, but your house could be gone on fire, and you’ve no connection on your phone.” She added: “People might have the biggest issue, the biggest problem, but once they can hear a voice at the end of the phone, they immediately relax, it’s a bit of reassurance.”
Mary said people are worried about the frequency of severe storms, and more could be done in terms of preparation.
“I’ll tell you what annoyed me – the goings-on in the Dáil last week, and now the country is in an emergency situation. The politicians are well able to call to people’s doors and see how they are when they’re looking for votes, but not now, there’s no politicians calling around now.”
As well as the politicians, Mary thinks the gardaí and other state authorities could be better prepared. She thinks there is a security concern while there are power cuts, and would, overall, like to see more foresight in dealing with emergencies.