Official Safety Guidance for Ireland

Safety Tips & Advice

Practical, trustworthy safety guidance to help you, your family, and your community stay safe. Learn how to prevent emergencies and respond effectively when they occur.

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Emergency
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Fire Medical Road Weather Community

Fire Safety

Protect your home and family from fire hazards

Smoke Alarm Installation & Testing

  • Install smoke alarms on every level of your home, including hallways and landings
  • Test smoke alarms weekly by pressing the test button until you hear the alarm
  • Replace batteries at least once a year, or when the low-battery warning sounds
  • Replace the entire smoke alarm unit every 10 years
  • Never disable or remove batteries from smoke alarms

Fire Escape Plans

  • Create a fire escape plan and share it with everyone in your household
  • Identify two ways out of every room where possible
  • Choose a safe meeting point outside your home
  • Practice your escape plan regularly, especially with children
  • Keep keys near doors and windows for quick exit (but out of reach from outside)

Kitchen & Electrical Safety

  • Never leave cooking unattended, especially when frying or grilling
  • Keep tea towels, oven gloves, and cloths away from the hob
  • Don't overload electrical sockets or use damaged cables
  • Unplug appliances when not in use, especially before bed
  • Have a fire blanket in your kitchen for small fires

Candles, Bonfires & Open Flames

  • Never leave candles unattended and keep them away from curtains and furniture
  • Place candles in secure holders on heat-resistant surfaces
  • Keep bonfires at a safe distance from buildings, fences, and trees
  • Never use petrol or other accelerants to start or boost a fire
  • Always have a bucket of water or sand nearby when having a bonfire

In Case of Fire

Get out, stay out, and call 999 or 112 immediately. Never go back inside a burning building for any reason. Close doors behind you to slow the spread of fire and smoke.

Medical & Health Emergencies

Know how to respond when medical emergencies arise

What to Do in a Medical Emergency

  • Stay calm and assess the situation before taking action
  • Call 999 or 112 immediately for life-threatening emergencies
  • Provide clear information: location, what happened, number of casualties
  • Don't move injured persons unless they're in immediate danger
  • Stay on the line until the operator tells you to hang up

When to Call Emergency Services

  • Chest pain or difficulty breathing
  • Signs of stroke: face drooping, arm weakness, speech difficulty
  • Severe bleeding that won't stop with pressure
  • Loss of consciousness or unresponsiveness
  • Severe allergic reactions (anaphylaxis)
  • Suspected broken bones, especially spine or neck injuries

Basic First Aid Awareness

  • Keep a well-stocked first aid kit at home and know its contents
  • For cuts and wounds: apply direct pressure with a clean cloth
  • For burns: cool under running water for at least 20 minutes
  • Consider taking a certified first aid course from Irish Red Cross or Order of Malta
  • Learn the recovery position for unconscious but breathing casualties

Cardiac Arrest Awareness & AED Use

  • Learn to recognise cardiac arrest: person collapses, unresponsive, not breathing normally
  • Call 999/112 immediately and ask for the nearest AED location
  • Start CPR: push hard and fast in the centre of the chest (100-120 compressions per minute)
  • AEDs are designed for public use – follow the voice prompts
  • Know where AEDs are located in your community, workplace, and local sports clubs

Hands-Only CPR Can Save Lives

You don't need to be trained to perform hands-only CPR. If someone collapses and isn't breathing normally, call 999 and push hard and fast in the centre of their chest until help arrives. The emergency operator will guide you.

Push hard Push fast Don't stop

Road & Transport Safety

Stay safe on Ireland's roads in all conditions

Driving in Severe Weather

  • Reduce speed and increase following distance in rain, fog, or ice
  • Use dipped headlights in poor visibility – not just fog lights
  • Avoid sudden braking or steering on icy roads
  • Never drive through flood water – turn around and find another route
  • Check Met Éireann weather warnings before long journeys

Pedestrian & Cyclist Safety

  • Wear high-visibility clothing, especially in low light conditions
  • Cyclists must use front and rear lights at night (white front, red rear)
  • Always use pedestrian crossings where available
  • Children should wear helmets when cycling and be supervised near roads
  • Make eye contact with drivers before crossing at junctions

Rural Road Safety

  • Be aware of farm vehicles and livestock on rural roads
  • Expect the unexpected around blind bends and narrow lanes
  • Watch for walkers, cyclists, and horse riders on country roads
  • Give adequate space when overtaking – at least 1.5 metres for cyclists
  • Slow down at night – wildlife often crosses rural roads after dark

Breakdown & Roadside Emergencies

  • Move your vehicle off the road if safe to do so
  • Turn on hazard lights and use a warning triangle if you have one
  • On motorways, exit the vehicle from the passenger side away from traffic
  • Wait behind the crash barrier if on a motorway hard shoulder
  • Keep a charged phone, high-vis vest, and torch in your vehicle
Speed Kills

Reduce your speed – every km/h matters

Never Drink & Drive

Plan ahead – use a designated driver

Put the Phone Down

It can wait – your life can't

Severe Weather & Major Incidents

Be prepared for storms, floods, and extreme weather events

Storm & Extreme Weather Safety

  • Monitor Met Éireann weather warnings and follow official advice
  • Secure loose outdoor items like bins, garden furniture, and trampolines
  • Stay indoors during Red weather warnings – avoid unnecessary travel
  • Keep away from the coast and exposed high ground during storms
  • Be aware of falling trees and flying debris during high winds

Flooding Safety

  • Never walk, swim, or drive through flood water – it may be deeper than it looks
  • Just 15cm of fast-flowing water can knock you off your feet
  • Move valuables and important documents to higher floors if flooding is expected
  • Keep sandbags or flood barriers ready if you live in a flood-prone area
  • After flooding, don't turn on electricity until it's been checked by an electrician

Power Outage Preparedness

  • Keep torches, batteries, and candles in an accessible place
  • Have a battery-powered or wind-up radio for emergency updates
  • Keep mobile phones charged and have a portable charger ready
  • Avoid opening fridges and freezers to keep food cold longer
  • Report outages to ESB Networks: 1800 372 999

Coastal & Water Safety

  • Only swim at lifeguarded beaches and between the red and yellow flags
  • Never swim alone – always have someone watching from the shore
  • Be aware of rip currents – if caught, swim parallel to shore
  • Cold water shock can kill – enter water gradually
  • Keep children supervised at all times near water

Understanding Met Éireann Weather Warnings

Yellow Warning

Be aware. Weather conditions may pose some risk to those exposed. Stay informed and plan ahead.

Orange Warning

Be prepared. Infrequent and dangerous weather conditions. Potential risk to life and property.

Red Warning

Take action. Rare and very dangerous conditions. Significant risk to life. Follow official guidance.

Personal & Community Safety

Keep yourself and your neighbours safe

Home Security & Crime Prevention

  • Lock all doors and windows when leaving home, even for short periods
  • Use timer switches for lights when away to make the home look occupied
  • Don't advertise expensive purchases – break down boxes and dispose discreetly
  • Get to know your neighbours and look out for each other
  • Consider joining your local Community Alert or Neighbourhood Watch scheme

Public Safety in Busy Areas

  • Stay aware of your surroundings – avoid distractions from phones
  • Keep valuables secure and out of sight, especially in crowded areas
  • Walk in well-lit areas at night and stick to routes you know
  • Trust your instincts – if something feels wrong, move to a safer location
  • At events, locate emergency exits and agree a meeting point with your group

Missing Persons Awareness

  • Report a missing person to An Garda Síochána immediately – there's no waiting period
  • Keep recent photos of vulnerable family members accessible
  • For those with dementia, consider ID bracelets with contact information
  • Share official missing person appeals – they can save lives
  • Teach children their full name, address, and a parent's phone number

Supporting Vulnerable Community Members

  • Check on elderly or isolated neighbours, especially during extreme weather
  • Be aware of signs of elder abuse or scams targeting older people
  • Help vulnerable people with their emergency plans and contact information
  • Know who to contact if you're concerned about someone's welfare
  • Connect isolated individuals with local community groups and services

Report Suspicious Activity

If you see something suspicious, report it. Contact your local Garda station or the Garda Confidential Line at 1800 666 111. Your information could prevent crime or help solve an investigation.

Emergency Preparedness

Be ready before an emergency happens

Creating an Emergency Plan

  • Identify potential risks in your area (flooding, storms, power outages)
  • Create a household emergency plan and ensure everyone knows it
  • Agree on a meeting point if family members become separated
  • Plan for pets – know where they can go in an emergency
  • Review and practice your plan at least once a year

Emergency Contact Information

  • Keep a written list of important phone numbers (don't rely on your phone)
  • Include family, neighbours, doctors, and utility companies
  • Store an "ICE" (In Case of Emergency) contact in your phone
  • Know your Eircode – emergency services use it to locate you
  • Keep important documents in a waterproof container or digitally backed up

Emergency Kit for Irish Households

Keep these items together in an accessible location so you can grab them quickly if needed:

Light & Power

  • • Torch with spare batteries
  • • Battery-powered/wind-up radio
  • • Portable phone charger
  • • Candles and matches (use carefully)

Water & Food

  • • Bottled water (3 litres per person)
  • • Non-perishable food (3 days)
  • • Manual can opener
  • • Baby food/formula if needed

Health & Safety

  • • First aid kit
  • • Prescription medications
  • • Hand sanitiser
  • • Any medical equipment needed

Documents

  • • Copies of ID and insurance
  • • Emergency contact list
  • • Medical information
  • • Cash in small denominations

Warmth & Comfort

  • • Warm blankets
  • • Change of clothes
  • • High-visibility vest
  • • Waterproof jacket

Additional Items

  • • Pet food and supplies
  • • Whistle (to signal for help)
  • • Multi-tool or basic tools
  • • Dust masks

Emergency Numbers in Ireland

999 / 112
All Emergencies
Gardaí, Fire, Ambulance, Coast Guard
1800 700 700
HSE Live
Health advice & information
1800 372 999
ESB Networks
Power outages
1800 666 111
Garda Confidential
Report crime anonymously

Charity & Community Support

How organisations and volunteers support emergency response

How Charities Support Emergencies

  • Irish Red Cross provides first aid cover at events and disaster response
  • Order of Malta offers ambulance services and community care
  • St John Ambulance provides first aid training and event cover
  • Civil Defence supports emergency services during major incidents
  • RNLI volunteers save lives at sea around Ireland's coast

Volunteering & Preparedness

  • Consider joining a voluntary emergency service in your area
  • Take a first aid course – it could help save a life
  • Support local community groups during emergency responses
  • Donate to emergency service charities that support communities
  • Participate in local emergency preparedness exercises

Working With Emergency Services

  • Follow official guidance during emergencies – don't spread rumours
  • Keep access routes clear for emergency vehicles
  • Offer help only when safe to do so – don't put yourself at risk
  • Share official information from verified sources only
  • Thank and support emergency responders – their work saves lives

Key Emergency Service Charities in Ireland

Irish Red Cross
Order of Malta
St John Ambulance
RNLI
Civil Defence
Mountain Rescue

Stay Informed, Stay Safe

Bookmark this page and share it with family and friends. Knowing what to do in an emergency can save lives.

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Follow official sources: Met Éireann • An Garda Síochána