The Be Emergency Ready booklet provides practical advice to help you:

• understand the risks that could affect you and your household;
• make a plan for dealing with emergencies and disruptions;
• prepare essential household supplies;
• record important contact details;
• stay informed through trusted and official sources; and
• support neighbours and other members of your community who may need assistance.

An Post will begin a three-week nationwide distribution programme on 21 September 2026. Approximately 2.2 million copies of the booklet will be delivered to households throughout Ireland. Delivery dates may vary depending on location.

During an emergency, follow advice and updates from trusted official sources, including Leitrim County Council, the emergency services and the Office of Emergency Planning.

You can contact the Office of Emergency Planning at oep@defence.ie

You can also follow the Office of Emergency Planning on X for official preparedness information.

In extreme weather conditions, ask yourself whether making a journey by road is necessary. If it is not, consider delaying your journey until weather and road conditions improve.

If travelling is unavoidable, be prepared. Whether you are driving, cycling or walking, take extreme care, exercise caution and expect the unexpected.

Prevention is better than cure. Take some time to prepare both your vehicle and yourself for the challenges of driving during severe weather.

You should:

• Have your vehicle serviced to make sure it is safe and suitable for driving in severe weather.
• Carry out regular walk-around checks on your vehicle.
• Check wiper blades for wear and tear and replace them when they begin to smear rather than clean the windscreen.
• Keep tyre pressure at the manufacturer’s recommended level and check that your tyres have sufficient tread depth.
• Check that your spare wheel is in good condition and fully inflated.
• If your vehicle has an inflation repair kit instead of a spare wheel, make sure you know how to use it.
• Make sure all vehicle lights are clean and working correctly.
• Top up anti-freeze and screen wash.

During periods of severe weather, consider postponing your journey. If your journey is unavoidable, take the following precautions:

• Visibility is reduced in poor weather conditions. Wear bright clothing and use reflective armbands, belts or other reflective items to help other road users see you.
• Carry a torch in snowy or dark conditions and wear clothing that does not restrict your vision.
• Take extra care when crossing roads or cycling in extremely windy conditions, as sudden gusts may affect your balance.
• Use a footpath where one is available and safe. Look out for falling branches or other debris, particularly during strong winds.
• Wear appropriate footwear in snowy or icy conditions. Do not underestimate the danger posed by ice.
• Take particular care outside your home, on doorsteps and paths, and when getting out of a vehicle. Many slips and falls happen in places people normally consider safe.
• If there is no footpath, walk on the right-hand side of the road facing oncoming traffic.
• Cyclists should use working front and rear lights. A white light should be used at the front and a red light at the rear.
• Cyclists should wear bright or reflective clothing to improve their visibility.
• Motorcyclists should wear appropriate protective equipment and high-visibility clothing.
• Motorcyclists should avoid using a dark visor in poor light or bad weather.