THE Irish Government have provided a list of 11 “invaluable” items alongside essential safety planning advice in case of an “emergency situation”.
It comes amid an escalation in worldwide conflict just months after the European Union warned citizens to be prepared for attack fallout.
Back in March, the EU warned its 450 million citizens to stockpile essentials amid growing World War III fears.
At the time NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte warned that Russia could launch another attack in Europe by 2030.
Preparedness and Crisis Management Commissioner Hadja Lahbib said: “Today’s threats facing Europe are more complex than ever, and they are all interconnected.”
Lahbib added that it’s important “to make sure people have essential supplies for at least 72 hours in a crisis.”
And now, following fresh Israeli attacks in Iran, Irish citizens have been warned by Tanaiste Simon Harris not to travel to Israel.
As conflicts continue, the Government advice on preparing for an “emergency situation” remains prevalent.
The Office of Emergency Planning within the Department of Defence advise Irish people to consider their “immediate family and household” in emergency plans.
However, they warn you must consider the possibility that you may be separated from each other, you may not be able to communicate or family members could be “seriously” injured.
Making plans around the possibility you may be without power or in dangerous situations such as a flood or fire is also essential.
The Government advise keeping essential paperwork such as passports, birth certificates, marriage certificates, wills and even photographs in a metal, waterproof container that can be retrieved easily.
You should discuss plans with your family including designating a meeting place if you are separated, decide on a member of your family living in another location who you will all contact to check in and who will take responsibility for vulnerable family members.
You should also decide on how you plan to make contact with each other.
The Government have also provided a list of essential items that will prove invaluable in a time of crisis.
This is as follows:
- Battery-operated radio with spare batteries).
- Torch, candles and waterproof matches.
- First aid kit and manual.
- Medication, toiletry and sanitary supplies.
- Supplies for infants, the elderly and family members with disabilities.
- Spare clothes and sleeping bags for each family member.
- Mobile phone, charger and spare battery.
- Strong plastic bags for clothing, valuables, documents and photographs.
- Copies of important family documents.
- Contact details for your agreed family contact.
- Playing cards or games for young children.
Additionally, they advise keeping essential supplies such as food and water stored somewhere in your home, to last for up to three days in case you become trapped in your home.
They also advise having duct tape and a sheet of plastic to “seal windows”, scissors, a Swiss army knife and a fire extinguisher.
EMERGENCY BROADCASTS
You should also familiarise yourself with how to turn off water and gas supplies in your home and local emergency numbers.
Learning some basic first aid in advance of any potentially dangerous situations is also advised.
If an emergency situation unfolds in Ireland it is important to stay tuned in to national broadcast radio and TV channels as well as your local stations.
The Department of Defence explains: “In major emergency situations it may be necessary to issue warnings via the national media advising you on the best course of action.
“Such messages would normally be broadcast on all national radio and TV channels.”
