The Minister for Defence, Helen McEntee TD, has launched Be Emergency Ready, a nationwide campaign urging households to take straightforward steps to prepare for emergencies and disruption. The initiative was unveiled on 28 August 2026 at the refurbished Meath Civil Defence facility in Navan.

Under the campaign, every household in Ireland will receive a dedicated emergency preparedness booklet by post. An Post will begin a three-week nationwide distribution programme on 21 September 2026, delivering approximately 2.2 million copies to homes across the country. Ahead of this, around 26,000 booklets will be provided across all 31 local authorities for distribution via libraries, Public Participation Networks (PPNs), public counters and emergency planning staff.

Be Emergency Ready focuses on practical, accessible guidance tailored to risks most relevant in Ireland, such as severe weather, power outages and water disruptions. The booklet promotes three clear steps: Be Aware of potential risks, Make a Plan to maintain essential supplies, and Stay Connected with family, neighbours and trusted sources of information.

Speaking at the launch, Minister McEntee said: "I encourage everyone to take the time to read the booklet when it arrives, work through the checklist, complete the important information section and keep it somewhere easy to find. A small amount of preparation today can make a significant difference tomorrow."

Local government is backing the campaign. Kieran Kehoe, Chief Executive of Meath County Council, said: "Local authority staff are often the first on the ground during an emergency, and we see at first hand the impact such situations can have on people. This booklet contains common-sense information that will help people to prepare for and respond to emergencies. "We are happy to support the campaign and will also make the booklet available in local authority buildings, libraries, and through the Public Participation Network."

The campaign builds on more than a decade of seasonal advice under Be Winter Ready and Be Summer Ready. A broader all-year approach was reinforced by the experience of Storm Éowyn in January 2025, which highlighted how disruptions to electricity, water, communications and transport can affect communities. Be Emergency Ready aligns with the EU Preparedness Union Strategy's emphasis on societal resilience while focusing on Ireland's specific context.

The booklet and supporting materials, including a preparedness checklist and key emergency information pages, are available at gov.ie/BeEmergencyReady. The publication is available in both Irish and English, with digital versions accessible online.

If a household does not receive a copy during the delivery window or needs an additional booklet, it can be accessed online at gov.ie/BeEmergencyReady, requested by email via [email protected], or obtained through local authority outlets such as libraries and PPNs.

The Department of Defence's Office of Emergency Planning is publishing the booklet on behalf of the Government Task Force on Emergency Planning, with support from Local Government Ireland. Officials stress the campaign is intended to reassure rather than alarm, promoting sensible, practical preparedness that complements the work of government, local authorities and emergency services.

Households are encouraged to review the checklist, complete the important information section, store the booklet somewhere easy to find and revisit it regularly. By preparing in advance, individuals, families and communities can enhance safety, strengthen resilience and be better equipped to manage disruption.