generators, flasks and torches at the ready

The country will be talking about Storm Éowyn for a while.

With a peak of 768,000 people having lost power according to the ESB, and over 200,000 people without water at its height according to Uisce Éireann, the effects of the storm has people reflecting on what they can do differently to better prepare for them.

Severe storms are likely to become more frequent in Ireland as the effects of climate change become more apparent, and January’s storm was a stark reminder of that.

But what can we do to better prepare for periods of power outages, restricted water supplies and potential storm damage?

There are simple things, such as investing in a good power bank and ensuring that it is charged up, filling thermos flasks with boiling water, or even just having a few hot water bottles filled with boiling water to ensure heat, for a while at least.

Try to use up the food in your freezer in advance of a storm, especially if you are likely to lose power for a prolonged period, even if…