Storm Darragh safety message from Gas Networks Ireland
Gas Networks Ireland said it would like to reassure its 720,000 customers that it does not anticipate any disruption to gas supplies during Storm Darragh.
“All works are currently scheduled to take place as normal, however as the safety of our staff, customers and the public is paramount, our teams will assess conditions locally and may defer some work if required for safety reasons,” the operator of Ireland’s Gas Networks said in a statement.
Irrespective of what weather alert is in place, Gas Networks Ireland emergency services continue to operate as normal. If you smell gas at home or on the street, please call 1800 20 50 50 immediately, it advised.
In the event of a power cut as a result of the storm, Gas Networks Ireland is providing the following safety advice:
1. Gas appliances may be affected during a power cut
During a power cut, gas supplies and your gas meter should continue to operate as normal. Gas appliances, however, may be affected. Although they operate by burning gas, most gas appliances rely on mains electricity for items such as pumps, fans, electronic controls and so on, so in the event of a power outage they may not operate until the power is restored.
When the power is restored, gas appliances should operate as normal, but some boilers may need to be reset. This is normally something that can be done by the customer themselves at the boiler control panel and some boilers have the resetting instructions visible on the boiler.
2. Avoid the risk of carbon monoxide poisoning
Never run generators or other petrol or diesel equipment indoors, under cover or close to access points in the property such as doors, windows or ventilation points. Never use barbeques, patio heaters or other outdoor fuel burning equipment indoors or under cover. If your power is off, it might be tempting to find alternative means of cooking and heating, but these appliances can produce large amounts of carbon monoxide and should only ever be used outdoors in a well-ventilated area.
Never use an indoor cooking appliance to try and heat a room. If you’re lighting a fire in the grate, make sure your chimney has been swept and isn’t blocked and ensure the room is properly ventilated.
