Emergencies can happen with little warning, from severe storms and flooding to power cuts and public health incidents. The Be Emergency Ready campaign on gov.ie is encouraging people across Ireland to take practical steps now so households can respond more safely and reduce disruption when an emergency occurs.
Led through the Office of Emergency Planning, the campaign provides guidance for individuals and families on understanding local risks, creating a household plan and knowing what to do during an emergency. The information was published on 27 July 2026 and updated on 31 August 2026.
Emergency Preparedness Ireland: Make a Household Plan
A clear household plan can make it easier to act quickly when normal services are interrupted. Families should discuss how they will communicate, where they will meet and who may need additional support, including older people, children, people with disabilities and those with medical needs.
The campaign encourages households to consider:
- Important telephone numbers and emergency contacts
- How family members will stay in touch if mobile services are disrupted
- Essential medication, food, water and other supplies
- Arrangements for pets and dependants
- Safe evacuation or shelter arrangements
Know the risks in your area
Preparation should reflect the risks most likely to affect a community. Coastal and low-lying areas may face flooding or severe weather, while any location can experience a power outage, transport disruption or interruption to communications.
Official advice from the Office of Emergency Planning can help households understand what to do before, during and after an emergency. People should also follow guidance from relevant public authorities, including the Health Service Executive (HSE), An Garda Síochána, the National Transport Authority (NTA) and Met Éireann when an incident occurs.
Read more: Ireland public services and emergency advice
What to do during an emergency
When an emergency happens, people should remain calm, monitor trusted official updates and follow instructions from emergency services. Avoid sharing unverified information, keep phone lines available for urgent calls and check on vulnerable neighbours where it is safe to do so.
The Be Emergency Ready resources include a downloadable booklet, important contact details and a practical checklist. The booklet is also available in an audio format, helping make the guidance more accessible.
Build an emergency checklist
A checklist can help households identify gaps before they become urgent. It may include:
- Charging phones and keeping a torch available
- Storing essential medication and basic first-aid supplies
- Keeping drinking water and non-perishable food on hand
- Recording emergency numbers in both digital and written form
- Planning for anyone who requires mobility, care or communication assistance
Explore more: Irish community and lifestyle coverage
Where to find official guidance
The campaign directs the public to the Office of Emergency Planning website for further advice and preparedness resources. Government departments and agencies such as gov.ie, the HSE, An Garda Síochána and local authorities may issue situation-specific instructions during an incident.
Taking a few minutes to make a plan, learn about local hazards and prepare essential supplies can improve household resilience. The key message is straightforward: preparation is most effective before an emergency begins.
Article/Image Courtesy: gov.ie
