Get ready
Begin with the supplies you already have. Choose last-minute checks, a three-day plan or a two-week storage plan. Those durations are planning choices, not an Irish government requirement.
Set your household quantities
Make the essentials work for you
Start with what you have. Spending ceilings do not guarantee complete supplies.
Your drinking water
3 litres per person per day
Drinking water only. Not infant feeding advice or a medical fluid prescription. Allow separately for cooking, hygiene and pets.
Shopping, without the guesswork
Prices need checking. Your quantities work without prices.
Food, cooking, hygiene, pets and medicines are excluded from priced examples. Get ready and check product sources
One small job a month
Ask which heating, water and internet systems need electricity.
All twelve months
- Write county contacts and agree a check-in with a neighbour.
- Find the torches and check their batteries.
- Check drinking-water storage and rotate bottles.
- Try a voluntary no-mains evening. Leave essential and medical systems on.
- Find a first-aid course and check current dates and fees.
- Choose familiar foods that need no refrigeration or cooking.
- Tune the radio to your local station and write down the frequency.
- Put warm layers and blankets where everyone can reach them.
- Gather essential documents for a grab bag.
- Ask which heating, water and internet systems need electricity.
- Let children find the torch with an adult. Keep it a short game.
- Review the plan together and replace anything used.
A grab bag
Keep medicines, documents, keys, phone and charger, warm clothing and care supplies ready to take if instructed to leave. Make a separate plan for babies and pets.
Practice evening and children's checklist · Use the official booklet
Source: Office of Emergency Planning, Be Emergency Ready. Checked 2026-10-28.