Plans to cope with major emergencies outlined in booklet

THE GOVERNMENT is seeking to reassure people that it has plans in place to respond in the event of a major emergency.

A booklet introducing the plans and providing practical advice for citizens faced with a nuclear, chemical, health or other emergency is being distributed to every household in the State over the next fortnight.

Launching the Government's public information campaign on emergency planning, Taoiseach Bertie Ahern said yesterday the handbook would show that Ireland was prepared for such a crisis and that the necessary plans were in place to deal with major emergencies.

"There is no reason to think that a major emergency is likely in the immediate future. However, no matter how unlikely some of the scenarios outlined in the handbook may be, knowing that they have been planned for and knowing what to do will provide a level of reassurance and make it easier to respond effectively in the event that one of them does in fact come to pass."

The Taoiseach said people had a personal and civic responsibility to study the handbook and prepare for an emergency. "The authorities can do a lot but they can only do so much - it is essential that everyone plays their part."

The decision to publish the booklet was prompted by market research which found that the public wanted reassurance that the Government was prepared to handle an emergency. Seven years ago, widespread alarm about preparedness to deal with a nuclear emergency was expressed following a radio discussion about Sellafield involving former junior minister Joe Jacob.

At the time, Mr Jacob said iodine tablets were a central part of Government strategy to deal with a nuclear contamination. However, there was further controversy when it took months to distribute the tablets.

The tablets have been dropped from the current strategy. Minister for Defence Willie O'Dea, who chairs the Government taskforce on emergency planning, said the risk of iodine contamination in Ireland from a UK nuclear reactor was remote.

Emergency: what to do

• Nuclear incidents: "Go in, stay in, tune in [to radio or TV]"
• Flu pandemic: "Buy enough food to last a least a week . . . Make sure you have a thermometer and supply of paracetamol or ibuprofen"
• Flooding: "Don't try to walk or drive through floodwater"
• Hazardous chemical spills: "Stay away from the scene"
• Fire: "Before opening a door, feel it with the back of your hand. If it is hot do not open it, as there may be a fire on the other side."