Emergency preparedness handbook planned for every household in Leitrim

Leitrim County Council has applied for funding to develop resources aimed at supporting communities during adverse weather conditions. 

These include digital and printed 'Stay Safe' booklets for every household, emergency preparedness packs, and community safety and resilience roadshows.

This information follows a motion by Cllr Gary Prior, who called on the Council to produce a ‘Personal and Community Resilience’ emergency handbook for all residents of Leitrim.

Cllr Prior is advocating for the handbook to contain essential information such as emergency contact numbers, safety checklists, details of local support services, a map showing the locations of public access defibrillators throughout the county, and a dedicated helpline.

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He cited Monaghan County Council as a positive example, noting they have already distributed similar emergency handbooks to their residents.

“When we have elderly or vulnerable people on their own at home, they don’t know where to call,” Cllr Prior said.

“There are lots of very good suggestions in the booklet produced by Monaghan County Council, and it’s something I ask this Council to take a similar stance on.”

In response, the Council confirmed it has applied for funding under the Community Safety Fund to enhance community resilience, improve safety, and strengthen connections between communities and key agencies in relation to severe weather and climate-related events, including the development of the proposed handbook.

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The handbooks, which will be available in both digital and printed formats, are intended to offer accessible guidance on preparing for weather emergencies, accessing support services, and practical advice on personal safety and community awareness.