‘Be ready & resilient' – Thousands of Irish households to receive ‘lifesaving' emergency booklet & crisis magnet in days
EVERY single household in Co Monaghan will receive an emergency booklet in a "first-of-its-kind" initiative being rolled out over the next few weeks.
The Personal and Community Resilience Booklet, which has been described as a "lifesaving resource", will be handed out to every household in the county by
The local authority said the booklet sets out the necessary steps to be ready for a number of different types of emergency.
These include a health emergency needing the ambulance and paramedics, a fire where you need the fire brigade, severe flooding, loss of power after a weather event, a break-in to your home and scammers at the front door with fake IDs.
A spokesperson said: "The booklet provides clear, actionable steps to help families and the community prepare in advance.
"It contains contact information for local services and tips for helping vulnerable neighbours, ensuring that no one is left behind during a crisis."
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Every household will also receive an emergency fridge magnet that allows them to keep information such as their Eircode and the location of the nearest defibrillator in an easily locatable place.
And the local authority has confirmed that a section of the booklet will be decided to the Message in a Bottle initiative.
This aims to provide emergency services with details about a person's health conditions and what medication they are on in the event they become incapacitated.
People in Co Monaghan will be asked to pick up a small green bottle containing a form which essential medical details can be filled out on from their local pharmacy or GP.
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Households will also receive three green cross stickers - one for the front door, one for the back door, and one for the fridge.
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This green cross will signal that the fridge contains the Message in a Bottle and this will allow them to quickly access the person's vital health information.
It is hoped that this scheme will save precious time in a critical situation, with a spokesperson saying it could be "potentially making the difference between life and death".
Monaghan County Council CEO Robert Burns said the publishing of such a booklet is more important now than ever.
He explained: "In an era of increasing climate uncertainty and evolving risks—from severe weather events to public health emergencies—resilience is no longer just a reactive measure; it is a shared responsibility.
"This booklet is the first step in empowering our communities with the knowledge and tools they need to prepare, respond, and recover effectively.
'MORE THAN JUST A DOCUMENT'
"While Monaghan County Council and emergency services will always be here to assist, the first line of resilience is within our communities.
"By working together—checking on neighbours, sharing resources, and staying informed—we can reduce risks and build a stronger, more connected Monaghan."
Cllr Paul Gibbons, Cathaoirleach of Monaghan County Council, added: "This Resilience Booklet is more than just a document, it's a powerful resource that can help ensure every household in Monaghan is prepared for whatever life may throw their way. Be ready. Be resilient."
Distribution of the Resilience Booklet will begin on May 5th, 2025, with booklets delivered directly to homes and businesses over a two-week period.
Speaking at the launch, Chief Fire Officer, Dermot Brannigan said the booklet offers practical measures to take when the need arises and offers a point of reference for being prepared.
He said: "Today's threats can be fast, complex, and interconnected, necessitating our response to be more proactive, more integrated, and more coordinated."
Residents in Co Monaghan are being urged to keep an eye out for the booklet and when it arrives, read it, keep it in an obvious place and in the event of an emergency, put it to use.
1
The booklet will arrive through the post in the next two weeks
Credit: Alamy Stock Photo
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