30-04-2025
Households in Monaghan to receive emergency booklet
Every household in Monaghan is to receive a booklet with the aim of helping residents across the county to be prepared in the event of a range of emergencies.
Monaghan County Council will be distributing its 'Personal and Community Resilience Booklet' to every home and business across the county over the coming weeks.
The local authority has said the initiative is the first of its kind in Ireland and the booklet sets out the necessary steps to be ready for a number of different types of emergency.
These include a health emergency, a fire, severe flooding, loss of power after a severe weather event, a home break-in and people calling to houses under false pretenses with fake ID.
The booklet also contains the contact information for local services and tips for helping neighbours who are more vulnerable to ensure that no one is "left behind" during a crisis.
The 'Personal and Community Resilience Booklet' will be delivered directly to homes and businesses in the county over a two-week period beginning next Monday.
Along with the booklet, every household will also receive an 'emergency fridge magnet' encouraging them to keep information such as their Eircode and the location of their nearest defibrillator in a place that is easily locatable.
Part of the booklet is also dedicated to the 'Message in a Bottle' initiative, which aims to provide the emergency services with the 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 from their local pharmacy or GP. Inside the bottle, there will be a form where a person or their family can record essential medical details.
They will also receive three green cross stickers; one for the front door, one for the back door, and one for the fridge.
If paramedics are called to the house, the 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.
Monaghan County Council CEO Robert Burns has said publishing such a booklet is more important now than ever.
"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," he said.
"While Monaghan County Council and the 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," Mr Burns added.
Meanwhile, Cathaoirleach of Monaghan County Council Councillor Paul Gibbons said the initiative is a result of a "strong partnership" between the local authority, the Health Service Executive and An Garda Síochána.
"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," he said.
