Assisting local communities to expect the unexpected
A guide to help people prepare for emergency events including storms and heavy snowfalls such as the so-called ‘Beast from the East’ last year, has been launched by Wexford County Council.
‘Preparing for the Unexpected’ is designed to help individuals and community groups to respond and recover from emergencies in their local areas by encouraging them to make advance preparations now so they can be self-sufficient if a severe weather event arises.
The one-page guide which was launched by Council chairman Cllr. Keith Doyle, will be delivered to every home and business in County Wexford over the coming fortnight.
‘The guide will not replace the emergency services - rather it will help people to make sensible preparations now so that they can be more self-sufficient during an emergency’, said a local authority spokesman. ‘The document is based around the concept of enabling well-established clubs and groups to work with members and the wider community to prepare effectively for emergency events.
‘Wexford’s emergency services, including Wexford County Council, an Garda Siochána, the HSE and Civil Defence, will always respond to significant emergency events. however, the management of more severe emergencies, such as experienced during Storm Ophelia and Storm Emma, will require a whole community response’, he said. ‘Preparing for the Unexpected’ is a joint initiative of Wexford County Council, the HSE, Garda Siochána, National Ambulance Service, Order of Malta, Red Cross, Wexford Civil Defence and Wexford PPN (Public Participation Network) in parternship with Wexford GAA, Wexford IFA, the Society of St. Vincent de Paul, Muintir na Tíre, Wexford MarineWatch and Meals on Wheels.