Vulnerable people are being urged to join NI Water's customer care register.

Sinn Féin MLA Declan McAleer made the call after attending a briefing from the NI Water's Chief Executive Sara Venning and Director of Customer Services Sean McAleese.

There are over 2,700 entries currently on the register which advises people on how to stay safe and get prepared for the cold weather.

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Mr McAleer said: "Most importantly, the register assists NIW to identify those most at risk when water supplies are interrupted.

"I witnessed this at first hand last year when an industrial dispute at NIW coincided with a severe weather spell. At that stage, we had to get assistance from the Red Cross to deliver bottled water to vulnerable people.

"There are hundreds of people, particularly in rural areas throughout the north who are very isolated when water supplies are cut off.

"This is made worse during cold snaps when people are effectively trapped in their homes, having to rely on neighbours and friends to help them out.

"I asked NIW to consult with the Rural Network organisations to get their message out to isolated areas."

(CD/LM)