Longford Age Friendly Programme has launched ‘storm‑ready’ packs to help older people stay safe and connected during severe weather.

The initiative follows the impact of recent storms, including Storm Eowyn, which caused long power cuts, water disruption and mobile network failures.

The impact was greatest on older people who lived alone, said a spokesperson for Longford County Council.

At the first meeting of the Age Friendly Older Persons' Council after the January storms, members spoke about the stress and anxiety many had experienced.

They asked if practical supports could be put in place ahead of future weather events.

'Storm-ready' packs

In response, Longford Age Friendly Programme worked with Longford County Council’s Public Participation Network (PPN), Climate Action, Healthy Ireland and Community Safety Partnership teams to secure funding for a dedicated 'storm‑ready' pack.

Every pack contains:

a solar‑powered power bank so people can keep their phone charged;
an energy‑saving flask for storing hot water when electricity is unavailable;
a hands‑free LED head torch to help people move safely around their home.

The packs also include a clear emergency checklist with key numbers, preparation tips, and guidance for before, during and after a storm.

The government’s Winter Ready booklet and the directory of supports for older persons (HSE and age friendly) are also included.

The packs were officially launched by Longford County Council Cathaoirleach Cllr Garry Murtagh and chief executive, Paddy Mahon.

Members of the Longford Age Friendly Alliance, Midlands Regional Age Friendly programme manager, Eileen Hughes, and Older Persons' Council chair, Kitty Burkhill, also attended the event.

Cllr Murtagh said that the packs provide peace of mind.

He said: "A simple tool like a charged phone or a source of light can make all the difference during a storm.

CEO Mahon said that the 'storm‑ready' packs are practical, easy to use and designed with real‑life experience in mind.

He added: "This is a strong example of community services working together to deliver something that will genuinely help people to feel safer in their homes."

A small number of packs were delivered before Christmas by community gardaí, the Healthy Age Friendly Homes co‑ordinator and Longford Citizens Information centre. A limited supply remain available on a referral basis.

To be eligible for a pack, individuals must be aged over 65 and living alone or with another vulnerable person; have the state pension or equivalent as their only income, and live in a high‑risk area for outages or poor communications.

Referrals can be made through Longford Age Friendly Programme, Longford libraries, Longford Civil Defence, Longford Community Safety partnership, Healthy Longford, and PPN.