Be Winter Ready! #BeWinterReady 2021

Stay well back from from water and cliff tops.

If a road is flooded, choose another route. Do not attempt to drive through - it can be deeper than you think!

The 2020/2021 'Be Winter Ready' Information Campaign was launched on the 4 November 2020 - #BeWinterReady.

You can find information on the campaign at the Be Winter Ready website. The website has advice and information on how to prepare for winter, and includes a number of targeted leaflets on themes such as flooding, farming, health and road safety. The website provides a number of sources for up-to-date information on transport services and roads during severe weather.

Be Winter Ready - Met Éireann's Weather Warnings Leaflet

Be Winter Ready Booklet

The campaign was jointly launched by the Minister for Defence as Chair of the Government Task Force on Emergency Planning, Mr. Simon Coveney T.D. and Minister of State with responsibility for International and Road Transport and Logistics, Ms. Hildegarde Naughton T.D. Also present was Ms. Evelyn Cusack, Head of Forecasting at Met Éireann.
 
The launch followed a meeting of the Government Task Force on Emergency Planning, which dealt with winter-preparedness issues, and had representatives from Government Departments and Agencies briefing on their areas of responsibility.
 
The ‘Be Winter-Ready’ campaign, which is in its tenth year, is intended to raise awareness about the particular challenges that winter can present and provides coordinated and cross-cutting approach to public safety messaging and the dissemination of information on winter preparations.

This information campaign is now a well-established and important annual event impacting across the whole public service.

The campaign highlights the ‘Whole of Government’ approach being taken to winter preparations. This coordinated approach has been seen during recent storms and severe weather events that occurred over the past number of years which posed challenges for individuals, communities, businesses, Government Departments and Agencies.
Importantly, the ‘Be Winter-Ready’ campaign informs the public of what is being done in relation to winter preparations and where they can source valuable information that can assist them through a difficult period.
 
During the launch Minister Coveney said:
 
“I would like to recognise the commitment and dedication of our front line responders and the work of our Local Authorities in maintaining other essential services during severe weather events and the work they all do to get us through the recovery from such events.

I would also like to acknowledge the work of individuals, community groups and the voluntary emergency services for the essential assistance they provide.

The main message of this campaign remains a simple one: be prepared, stay safe and know where to find help if you need it.” 
 
Transport

Last winter, 116,000 tonnes of salt was used across our national, regional and local roads. Transport Infrastructure Ireland (TII) prepared in advance to ensure an adequate supply of salt was available and has continued to work with Local Authorities in advance of this winter.
 
This year, 202,000 tonnes of salt are available nationally.

Speaking at the launch, Minister Naughton said:

“My key message for drivers and other road users is that preparing in advance helps reduce any risks that we may face. We can check that our vehicles are fit for winter conditions, and we can make sure we’re visible when we cycle or walk. 

The Road Safety Authority provides excellent guidance for those driving, cycling or walking in winter weather conditions on their website www.rsa.ie and a summary of their guidance is also available in the Be Winter Ready booklet.”

Colour coded weather warnings explained:

STATUS YELLOW: Weather that does NOT pose a threat to the general population but is potentially dangerous on a localised scale.

Be aware about meteorological conditions and check if you are exposed to danger by nature of your activity or your specific location. Do not take any avoidable risks.

STATUS ORANGE: Infrequent and dangerous weather conditions which may pose a threat to life and property.

Prepare yourself in an appropriate way depending on location and activity. All people and property in the affected areas can be significantly impacted.

Check your activity/event and delay or cancel as appropriate.

STATUS RED: Rare and very dangerous weather conditions from intense meteorological phenomena.

Take action to protect yourself and your property. Follow instructions and advice given by the authorities under ALL circumstances and be prepared for exceptional measures.