Report an issue with snow and ice on a public road or street

You can report an issue with snow or ice on a public road or street (link opens in new window) on nidirect.

You can also report an issue with ice or snow on a road by emailing or calling (for emergencies only) the Department for Infrastructure (link opens in new window).

What to do if there is snow or ice

• Take care when driving and walking in wintry conditions and allow extra time for your journey.
• If you have to make a car journey when snow is forecast, make sure you have warm clothes, food, water, boots, a torch and spade.
• Key routes will be gritted when necessary -  find out which roads are covered and the location of your nearest grit bin.
• Check www.translink.co.uk for regular updates on whether buses and trains are running smoothly.
• Stay away from frozen ponds and lakes in parks and the countryside, and keep pets at a safe distance.
• Contrary to popular belief, there's no law stopping you from clearing snow and ice on the pavement outside your home or from public spaces. It's highly unlikely you'll be sued or held legally responsible for any injuries on the path if you have cleared it carefully. There are tips on the best way to do this in The Snow Code.
• Any changes to our services (for example, bin collections) and operating hours of our buildings due to bad weather will be publicised widely in the press, on local radio and on our website.
• School closures will be publicised on their website and local radio.
• It's important that we look after our vulnerable and elderly neighbours, so call regularly on those living nearby who may need some help - and make sure they are warm and have enough food and essential medicines.

Hints and tips at winter TBC

These hints and tips suggest ways to keep warm:

• Regular hot meals and drinks provide warmth and energy
• If it is cold outside try to keep active indoors to stay warm
• Wear several thin layers rather than one thick layer - this will trap warm air close to your body
• Electric blankets can be dangerous if left on overnight (unless they have a safe all night setting) and should never be used with a hot water bottle. Remember to replace any electric blankets which are 10 years or over
• If using a hot water bottle, make sure it has a protective covering
• On a sunny day, opening curtains to let warmth into your house
• When it’s colder or the sun goes down, close your curtains to stop heat escaping and draughts coming in
• Curtains with thermal linings will also help to keep the heat in
• Don't block radiators as this reduces the heat.

Looking out for neighbours

During winter, some of our older and more vulnerable relatives, friends and neighbours can find it difficult to get out and about.

You can help your older neighbours by:

• calling in to make sure that everything is all right and to find out if they need anything
• checking they are warm enough. Make sure their heating system is working properly and timed for the weather. Suggest blankets, hot water bottles and hot drinks
• making sure that they are drinking plenty of fluids and eating hot meals
• suggesting they get the flu jab from their local GP or health centre
• watching for signs that something could be wrong such as milk not being taken in or curtains remaining closed
• making sure there are no fire hazards and that they have a working smoke alarm. They can call us for a free home safety check on 028 9091 8715.
• offering to collect shopping for them if you're going for groceries or other errands