Council to act on mini ice age predictions

THE possibility that the world may be on the verge of entering a mini ice age is prompting Cork County Council to print advice brochures to help people cope with the possibility of further harsh conditions this winter.

County engineer Noel O’Keeffe confirmed yesterday that the local authority has already prepared a draft leaflet advising householders what to do if another big freeze hits us again in a few months’ time.

Scientists have expressed concern that a lack of sunspots and very few solar flares emanating from the sun may be an indication that the world is heading for a mini ice age, last experienced in the mid-17th century.

It was reputed to have lasted 70 years.

According to AA Home Insurance, last December, burst pipes led to household claims in Ireland of €173.1 million, while commercial claims amounted to a further €50.6m.

The county council’s leaflet will advise householders and flat dwellers on how to reduce the risk of pipes freezing, how to unthaw them if they do freeze, and how to make temporary repairs if they burst.

It will also advise householders on improving their insulation and on fitting insulating jackets to their water tanks.

Mr O’Keeffe said the local authority is also preparing two other winter advice brochures.

“One will focus on what to do if there is flooding and the other will be on how to cope with icy roads, gritting etc,” the county engineer said.

“We will be trying to advise the public on the do’s and don’ts with regard to the three main topics. We will put the information up on our website in due course and make the brochures available to anybody who wants them,” Mr O’Keeffe said.

He said winters in Cork were not normally severe. However, in the winter of 2009 serious floods occurred in several parts of the county and last year it was hit by a icy conditions which lasted a couple of weeks.

“We have to take on board what scientists are saying about the sun. We’re not going to take anything for granted and we’re advising the public to do the same. Forewarned is forearmed as they say,” Mr O’Keeffe said.

Meanwhile, AA Home Insurance is reminding households and businesses nationwide to go over their properties with a fine tooth comb and review their level of insurance cover to make sure they are prepared for a potentially harsh winter.