BE SUMMER-READY

Helping make you, your home and your business more prepared for SUMMER

Coronavirus COVID-19

Know the symptoms, if you have any, stay athome and ring your GP.

Ensure proper sneeze/cough etiquette.

Wash hands regularly.

Always maintain social distancing.

Wear face coverings as required.

Download the COVID Tracker App,available on covidtracker.ie

All travel should be considered in line with current Government guidance.

Government advice remains that people should avoid non essential foreign travel.

---------------------------------------All content in this booklet should be considered in the context of relevant Public Health advice.

CONTENTS

Introduction 1

WeatherConditions 2

WaterSafety 5

BeWaterSmart 12

CoastalandWaterbasedactivities 14

RoadSafety 16

BeFirewise 19

MilitaryRanges 23

HealthPreparedness 24

PeoplewithDisabilities 26

TheWorkplace 28

YouandYourFarm 30

Schools 32

Contactinformation 33

ImportantPhoneNumbers 40

1

INTRODUCTION

Thisbooklet ispartof theGovernmentof Ireland initiative toprovideinformationtothegeneralpubliconissueswhichmayaffectthemduringthesummermonthsinIreland.Thebookletcomplimentsalongstandingandverysuccessful“BeWinterReady”publicinformationcampaign.

Duringthesummermonths, Ireland’swaterwaysandbeachesbecomevery popular. More people visit the countryside, engage in outdoorpursuits,visitfamilyfarmsortakeholidaysabroad.Withtheseactivitiesthereareassociatedrisksandthisbookletprovidesinformationonthese.Inaddition,peopledieinIrelandindrowningaccidents,farmaccidents,onourroadsorsuccumbtosummerrelated illnesses. Wildfiresareamorecommonoccurrenceinthisperiod.Informationonbeingpreparedand staying safeduring these summermonths, forthe individual, family,home, farm,businessandschool, iscontained in this booklet and in the links/web addresses and phonenumberscontainedherein.Weadvisepeopletofamiliarisethemselveswiththeinformationinthisbooklet.

ThebookletispublishedbytheOfficeofEmergencyPlanning,onbehalfoftheGovernmentTaskForceonEmergencyPlanning.

Thereismoreinformationandusefullinksonourwebsite,www.gov.ie/summerready

TáleaganGaeilgedenleabhránseoarfáilfreisin.

2

IntheNorthernhemisphere,meteorologicalsummerisdefinedbytheWorldMeteorologicalOrganisationasthethreewarmestmonthswhichare June, July andAugust. However, the threemonthswith themostsunlightareMay,JuneandJuly.

WEATHER FORECASTS AND WARNINGSMet Éireann’s weather forecasts and warnings are available onwww.met.ieandontheMetÉireannApp.Detailed7dayforecasts forover1,000named locationsaround Irelandareavailable.Additionally,thewebsiteandapphasanoptionalfeaturethatusestheGPSlocationof thePCordevicetoprovidea7daydetailed forecast for thatexactlocation.

WEATHER WARNING ALERTING SERVICESPushnotificationsofWeatherWarningsarenowavailableontheMetÉireannApp.Ontheapp,taptheMenu/MyWarnings/Add.Youcansetupnotificationsforanycountyandwarningtype.AlsoyoucansignuptoreceiveemailsofWeatherWarningsunderthemaponwww.met.ie/warnings‘MyWarningsLogin’

HEAT/SUNBURNTheUltraViolet Index (UVI)givesan indicationof thepotential forskindamage.WhentheUVindexis3oraboveyouneedtoprotectyourskin.In Ireland, theUV index isusually3orabove fromApril toSeptember,evenwhenitiscloudy.PlanyourdaytolimittimeinthesunwhenUVis

WEATHER CONDITIONS

3

strongest, typicallybetween thehoursof11amand3pm. If it is cloudyeverywherethentheUVIislowtomoderate(3to4)butsunburningcanstilloccur.Highnight-timetemperaturesinsummer(>15C),canbemoreimpactful,especiallyonthevulnerable,thanhighdaytimetemperatures.

CloudcanbevariablefromplacetoplaceandfromtimetotimeinIrelandandduetowindchillitcanoftenfeelcoolinsummer.Nonetheless,a20minutesunnyintervalcanproducesunburn.

WIND AND WAVESIntheeventofstrongwinds,high,potentiallydangerous,wavescanoccuronlakesaswellasalongcoasts.Eveninlightwindsorcalmconditionshighwaves(swell)canaffectcoasts/beaches.Windscanexceedgeneralwarningthresholdsinexposedareassuchascoastsandhighgroundandalsoinsomelowlyingareasduetofunnelingeffects.

AstormisnamedbyaNationalMetServicewhenOrangeorRedlevelwindsareforecasttoimpactoverawidelandarea.

THUNDERSTORMSIntheeventofthunderstorms,beawareofthedangersoflightninganddonottakeshelterunderanumbrellaoratree.Itisdangeroustobeoutonopenwater.Becarefuloflandlinephonesoranymetalthatconnectswiththeground.Lightningcanstrikethesamespottwice.Suddenheavydownpourscanleadtoflashfloodingandpoorvisibilityandcanbeaccompaniedbydangeroussquallywindsandpotentiallydamaginghail.

4

POLLEN FORECASTSMetÉireann issuepollen forecasts (low/medium/high) fromMayuntilSeptember.Therearefourmaintypesofpollen:• Tree• Grass• Fungalspores• Weed

5

WATER SAFETY TIPS• Learntoswimandlearnlifesavingskills(includingCPR).• Instructions are available from approved training providers. See

www.safetyzone.ieformoreinformation.• Whenenteringanaquaticenvironmentensureyouareexperienced

or you are with somebody who is experienced. Inform others onshoreofyourplansandtimeofreturn.

• Notethelocationofthenearestringbuoyincaseofemergency.• Whenengaginginaquaticactivities,donotdrinkbeforehand.• Swimatdesignated, lifeguardedwaterwaysandbeaches,between

theflags,wherepossible.Staywithinyourdepth.• Followallordersfromlifeguards,andpayattentiontoallsigns.• Ask locals and lifeguards for advice about hazards and dangers in

unfamiliaraquaticsettings.• Alwayswearapersonalflotationdevice/lifejacketwhenboatingor

anglingandensurethatithascorrectlyfittingstraps.• Wearsuitableclothingsuchasawetsuitorwarmwater-proofclothing.

WATER SAFETY

6

• Shore and beachwalkers should stay away from the edge and bevigilanttothedangersofstrandingbyincomingtides.

• Alwayscarryamobilephone,andinanemergencyring112or999–asktospeaktotheCoastGuard.

• Checktheweatherforecastandtimeoftidesbeforegoingintoornearwater.• Neverenterthewateratnightorwhendarknessisapproaching.• Donotuseinflatabletoysinopenwaterorswimoutafteranythingdrifting.

SAFE SWIMMINGSwim at designated bathing areas where lifeguards are on duty. Seelistingsatwww.watersafety.ie.Iftherearenodesignatedbathingareasnearyou,thenswimatknownsafetraditionalbathingareaswherethereareringbuoyserected.Alwaysensurethattheringbuoyis initsyellowbox before entering thewater.Make sure that the edges are shallowshelvingsothatyoucansafelyandeasilyenterandexitthewater:•Knowthetidesandbeconsciousofcurrents.•Neverjumpordiveincaseofhiddenhazards.•Staywithinyourdepthandswimparalleltoshore.•Neverputpressureonotherstotakerisks.•Learntouseequipmentbeforetryingitout.•Entercoolwaterslowlyallowingyourbodytoacclimatise.•Toescapearipcurrentsweepingyououttosea,remaincalmandswimparalleltoshoreuntilfree.

•Neverswimwhenyouarehotortired.•Don’tswiminQuarries,ESBReservoirsandtailraces.

COLD WATER IMMERSION/SHOCKWhencoldwatermakescontactwithyourskin,thecoldshockresponsecauses an immediate loss of breathing control, possible dizziness andpanic. Thisdramatically increases the riskof suddendrowningeven ifthewateriscalmandyouknowhowtoswim.Forthosewhosurvivethis,butareunabletogetoutofthewater,progressivebodycooling leadstohypothermiaandmusclecooling,makingswimmingmoredifficultorimpossible.Childrencoolevenfasterthanadults.

7

Ifyoufallintocoldwateravoidswimming,staycalmandrelax.Floatortreadwaterandifpossiblegetasmuchofyourbodyoutofthewater.Tolessenheatescapekeepyourlegstogetherandelbowsbyyourside.

HYPOTHERMIACoastalwalkspresentahighriskofstrandingaspeoplemaybecometrappedbyincomingtides.Avoidwalkingonsandbanksandkeepchildrenatasafedistance from the edges of rivers, canals and inland waterways. Watertemperatures can be cold, which puts people at risk of cold shock andhypothermiaifsuddenlyimmersed.Formoreinformationaboutsymptoms,preventionandfollowuphypothermiatechniquesgotowww.watersafety.ie

HOW TO USE A RINGBUOY• Standbackfromtheshoreedgeandestablishvoicecontactwiththe

person,shouting‘Kickyourlegs!’.• Lookforthenearestringbuoy(yellowbox).• Securetheendoftheropeorholditinyourhand.• Holding the ringbuoy, swing back, then release forward with an

under-armthrow,shouting‘Ringbuoy!Ringbuoy!Ringbuoy!’.• Aimtolandtheringbuoybeyondtheperson,sotheringbuoycanbe

pulledintotheirgrasp.• Instructthepersontoholdtheringbuoy.Slowlypullthemto land,

reassuringthem.• Getotherstohelpyou,ifavailable.

ReportmissingringbuoystoyourLocalAuthorityorHarbourMaster.

8

RIP CURRENTSRipsarestrongcurrentsthatstartneartheshoreandrushoutseaward,quicklytakingyououtofyourcomfortzone,fromtheshallowstodeeperwater.Ripcurrentsaretheleadingsurfhazardforallbeachgoers.Theyareparticularlydangerousforweakornon-swimmers.Ripcurrentsmosttypicallyformatlowspotsorbreaksinsandbars,andalsonearstructuressuchasgroynes,jettiesandpiers.

Howtoidentifyripcurrents:• Achannelofchurning,choppy,green,deeperwater.• Anareahavinganotabledifference inwatercolour,normallydark

greenorblueinsunshine.• Alineoffoam,seaweed,ordebrismovingsteadilyseaward.• Abreakintheincomingwavepattern.

Rip currentsareoftennot readilyoreasily identifiable to theaveragebeachgoer.Polarizedsunglassesmake iteasiertoseetheripcurrents.Askalifeguardforadvice.

Remember:Greenwaterismean;whitewaterisnice.

Tipsforsurvivingaripcurrent:• Ifcaughtinaripcurrent,remaincalmtoconserveenergyandthinkclearly.• Donottrytoswimagainstthecurrent.Swimoutofthecurrent in

adirectionfollowingtheshoreline.Whenoutofthecurrent,swimtowardsshore.

• Ifyouareunabletoswimoutoftheripcurrent,floatorcalmlytreadwater.Whenoutofthecurrent,swimtowardsshore.

9

• Ifyouarestillunabletoreachshore,drawattentiontoyourselfbyfacingtheshoreandcallingforhelp.

• Ifyouseesomeoneintrouble,gethelpfromalifeguard.Ifalifeguardisnotavailable,havesomeonecall999or112.

• Throwtheripcurrentvictimsomethingthatfloatsandyellinstructionsonhowtoescape.

• Remember,manypeopledrownwhiletryingtosavesomeoneelsefromaripcurrent.

WATER QUALITYBathersshouldchecktheEPA’sbathingwaterwebsite,www.beaches.ie,tofindoutwhichbeacheshavesafewaterquality.Thewebsitesharesthe latest information on over 200 bathing waters sampled by localauthoritiesduring thebathingwaterseason,which runs from1st Juneto15thSeptember.Informationonweather,tidesandamenitiesarealsoavailable.

AlwayswearaLifejacketonornearwater

10

WATER SAFETY IN AND AROUND THE HOMEEach year, children die in drowning accidents in or near their home.Childrenaremostatriskbecausetheyfeelthattheirhouseissafebuttherearemanydangers.

Rememberdrowningcanoccurinveryshallowwater,insuchplacesas:• Streams.• Drainsattheendofagarden.• Fishorgardenponds.• Playpoolsorswimmingpools.• Wells.• Barrelsorwatertanks.• Septictanksorslurrypits.

Alwayssupervisechildrennearwater

Knowthedangersaroundthehome:• Adultsshouldfenceoffanyrivers,streamsordrainsrunningnearthehome.• Anadultshouldalwayssuperviseplaytimeinpaddlingpools.• Paddlingpoolsshouldbeemptiedstraightawayafteruse.• Holesordrainsleftexposedafterbuildingworkshouldbeclosed.• Privateswimmingpoolsshouldbefencedin.• Swimmingpoolsshouldhavecoversthatcanbefirmlysecured.• Ifyourhomeisonafarm,keepawayfromslurrypits.

11

• Rain barrels,water tanks,wells andfish ponds should be coveredwithwiremeshormetalgrids.

• Ensurepetsareadequetelycateredforduringwarmweather.

Learnhowtohelp:• Ifyouseesomeoneindifficultydial999or112andaskfortheCoastGuard.• You,yourfamilyandyourfriendscanlearnwatersafety,swimming,

lifesavingandrescueskillsatwww.watersafety.ie

Youcannottellthedepthofaholeifitisfullofwater

Water Safety Information is translated into Irish, Belarusian, Chinese,Czech,Latvian,Lithuanian,Polish,RomanianandSlovakian.

Seewww.watersafety.ie

12

Allyearround,butespeciallyinsummer,weshouldallbemindfuloftheamountofwaterweuse,andtrytouseonlywhatweneed.

IN THE BATHROOMHaveashowerinsteadofabath.Showersuseonlyhalftheamountofwaterrequiredforabath.

Spendlesstimeintheshower.Anaverageshoweruses10litresofwaterperminute,sotakingashortershowerwillsavewater.

Remembertoturnoffthetapwhenbrushingyourteeth.Arunningtapcanuseuptosixlitresofwaterperminute.

IN THE KITCHENMakesureyourwashingmachineanddishwasherarealwaysfullyloadedbeforeputtingonawashtosavewaterandmoneyonenergybills.

Useabasininthesink.Abasinisusefulforwashingdishesbyhandorcollectingthewateryouusetorinsefruitandvegetables,whichcanthenbeusedforwateringplants.Keepajugofwaterinthefridge.Waitingforataptoruncoldwatertodrinkcanwastemorethan10litresofwaterinaday.

BE WATER SMART

13

IN THE GARDENUse a rose headwatering can in the garden and abucket and sponge to wash your car. A hose usesmore water in one hour than the average familyuses in aday.Water yourplants in theearlymorn-ingorlateevening.Thissaveswaterevaporatingandavoidsscorchingyourplantstoo.Addlayersofplantmaterial,likebarkorstraw,toyourgardensoiltohelpitretainmorewater.

THE STORY OF WATERFormoregeneralinformationonthecriticalvalueofourmostpreciousnaturalresource.SeeTheStoryofWaterdocumentaryatwww.water.ie/storyofwater. Itpresentsauniqueperspectiveontheongoingnationalprojecttoupgradethecountry’sdrinkingwatersupplyandwastewatertreatment.

FOR BUSINESSYou can consider upgrading to more water efficient appliances. Forexample water efficient taps, shower heads, toilets, and dishwasherscanmakeabigdifference.Choosingtoimplementwaterlessprocessescandramaticallyreduceyourcompany’swaterfootprint. This can include air-vacuums, high-pressureairjets,anddrysweeping.

There are cheaper alternatives too. You canretrofit a dual flush system into older toiletsorinvestintoiletcisternbags.Businesseswithshowers may also wish to invest in showertimers.Findoutmoreatwww.water.ie.Ifthereareplantswithinthebuilding,trytochooseonesthatneedlesswateri.e.cacti,peacelilies,aloeveraandjadeplants.Ifyouhaveoutdoorplants,watertheminthemorningbeforethesungetstoohotandevaporatesthewater.

14

TheCoastGuardhasoverall responsibility forcoordinatingSearchandRescueatsea,onIreland’scoastandondesignatedinlandwaterways.TheCoastGuardalsoassistswithinlandsearchandrescueandprovidesa24/7service.

CoastGuardservicescanbecontactedby:• Dialling112/999andaskingfortheCoastGuard.• MarineVHFradio.• Activating a Personal Locator Beacon (PLB) or Electronic Position

IndicatingRadioBeacon(EPIRB).

AllthoseplanningtogotoseaonanycraftareurgedtocarrymarineVHFequipmentastheprimarymeansofdistressandsafetycommunication.Inaddition,thecarriageofanEPIRBand/orPLBasasecondarymeansofdistressalertingisstronglyadvised.MobiletelephonesshouldNOTbeconsideredasasuitablesubstitute.

Beforeconsideringanywater-basedorcoastalactivityduringthesummermonths,theCoastGuardrecommendsthatyoufirst‘PAUSE’.

Planyouractivitycarefully,detailwhereyouaregoingandhow,whatclothing(orPPE)mayberequiredtostayprotectedfromthesun,fromthewaterandforanysuddenchangeinweather,andwhoyouwillinformofyourintentions(e.g.Whereyou’regoing,Whoyou’rewithandWhenyou’reduetoreturn).

COASTAL AND WATER BASED ACTIVITIES

15

Alwaysbringameansofeffectivelycommunicatingyourdistress,sufficientwaterandthecorrectequipmentfortheactivityyou’reconsidering.KnowhowtouseyourequipmentinanemergencyandalwayswearaPersonalFlotationDevice/Lifejacketwhennearoronthewater.

Usereadilyavailablesourcesofinformationtochecktheenvironmentalconditions(weatherandtides)inadvanceofyourtrip.

Seek help immediately if you or someone you observe is possibly indifficultybycalling999/112orusingVHFRadio-Ch:16andaskingfortheCoastGuard.

EnjoyIreland’swonderfuloutdoorssafelyandactresponsibly.

Remember if in Doubt - Shout

16

SAFETY TIPS FOR DRIVING IN SUMMERDespitepopularopinion,summertimeisthemostdangeroustimeoftheyearonourroads.

Inthesummer,whentherearenoobviousdangers,andtheweatherisfineanddaysbrighter,werelaxourguard.

Unfortunately, there is a spike in pedestrian, cyclist and motorcyclistcasualtiesover thesummer.Thefineweatherbringsmorepeopleoutandabout.Asdrivers,weneedtobeonthelookoutforthem.Slowdownandexpecttheunexpected.

Allroadusersmustalsobeawareofthedangersofalcoholduringthesummermonthstoo–nevereverdrinkanddrive,andalwaysbeawareofthedangersofdrivingthenextmorning.Alcoholisafactorin38%offatalcrashes.

At this time of year, there will also be an increase in the number ofagriculturalvehiclesusingtheroad.

ROAD SAFETY

17

Ifstuckbehindatractor,bepatientanddon’tbetemptedintoanyfoolishorrashovertaking.Alwaysbeonthelook-outforfarmmachineryleavingfieldsandfarmyards.

Farmers need to be safety conscious too. If the traffic is building upbehind,keepleftwheresafetoallowotherspasssafely.Driversofagriculturalvehiclesarealsoremindedtobemindfulof thefollowing:• Washdownwheelsregularlytoavoidcarryingmudandstonesonto

thepublicroad.• Be particularly careful when transporting material such as silage,

slurry,sandandgravelsothatitdoesnotspillontheroadandposearoadsafetyrisk.

• Nottoload/overloadtrailerssoastocausethemtobeunstableontheroad.

• Look out for lowbridges, overhanging trees, overhead cables andunevenroadsurfaceswhichcouldcausetheloadtoshiftandpossiblyoverturn.

• Thedrivingmirrormustalwaysprovideanadequateviewoftheroadandallagriculturalvehiclesmusthaveproperworkingbrakesonbothtractorandtrailerunits.Allagriculturalvehiclesmustbefittedwithlights,reflectorsandindicators.

• Large farming vehicles should consider using an escort vehicle towarn other road users and ensure that tractors are driven at anappropriatespeedfortheroadconditions.

IS YOUR VEHICLE SUMMER-READY?Youshouldensureyourvehicleismaintainedinaroadworthyconditionwithafullservicebeingundertakenevery10,000–15,000kilometres.

Therearealsosomethingsyoucandoyourself:• Lights-Makesureallyourindicatorsandheadlampsarecleanand

working.• Liquids-Makesurethewaterreservoirisuptothemaximummark.

Youmayalsoneedtotopupyourcoolantandscreenwash.

18

• Oil-Checkyourdipstickandtopuptheoilifnecessary.Lookforsignsofleakagesonthegroundunderthecar.

• Electrics-Checkyourdashboardbeforeandafterstartingtheengine.Listenforaweakbatteryandreplaceifnecessary.

• Windscreen wipers - you should clean themregularlyand replacethemevery12months.

• Tyres-Checkyourtyretreadsandpressure,includingthespare.Theminimumlegallimitis1.6mm.

• Safety Assist-Checkyourvehicle’sowner’smanualandfindoutifithasanysafetyassisttechnologye.g.ABS.

• Be Prepared

Further information on being prepared for emergencies when takingtotheroad,includingguidanceonvehiclemaintenanceandrepair,andvehiclesafetycheckscanbefoundontheRSAwebsitewww.rsa.ie

19

Prolonged Springdrought conditions can facilitatewildfireswhich canthreatenruralcommunitiesanddevastateuplandhabitats.MostwildfiresinIrelandarearesultofhumanactivitiesandarethereforeavoidable.

KNOW THE RISKS• BeawareoftheriskoffireduringSpringandSummerdroughtperiods.• FireriskistypicallygreaterinSpringthanSummer.• Typesof landmostpronetowildfires in Ireland includepeatlands,

turfcuttingbogs,uplandareasandimmatureforestlandsadjacenttothese.

• In extreme drought conditions, vegetation fires can take place indriedgrassesandothercropsacrossarangeoffarmlandtypes,eveninlowlandareas.

• Activefarming,appropriatelivestockgrazingandotherfuelreductionmeasurescanreducetheriskoffireeffectively.

• FireDangerNoticesareissuedtoadviselandmanagersofprevailingfire risk conditions between March and September and to allowpreparednessmeasurestobetakenintime.

PROTECT YOUR HOME• Ensurethathazardousflammablevegetationsuchasgorse,bracken

andgrassesaremaintainedatlowlevelstoreducefirerisk.• Aminimumof30moffuel-freespaceshouldbemaintainedtoprotect

structures.• Keepaccessroutesclear.Identifywatersources,hydrantsandopen

watersourcesandkeepthesefreefromobstructions.

BE FIREWISE

20

• Assistolderorvulnerableneighbourstomanagerisksandmaintainvegetationatasafelevelaroundtheirproperties.

• ReportanysuspiciousactivitytoAnGardaSiochana,anduncontrolledorunattendedfiresimmediatelytotheEmergencyServicesvia112or999.

COUNTRYSIDE USERS• Do not light fires in or near forests, recreational areas or other

amenities.• Parkresponsibly,donotblockemergencyaccessroutes.• Obeyallsignageandinstructionsfromlandownersandauthorisedofficers.

BE FIREWISE ON THE FARMManySpringwildfiresarisefrompoorlyconductedattemptsatcontrolledburning in the uplands. In extreme drought conditions, unintentionalfirescanalsoaffectlowlandfarmingactivitiesandpotentiallyimpactonsurroundingcommunities:• Obey the Law: Unless otherwise directed by the Minister under

Section7(1)oftheHeritageAct,2016,itisanoffencetocut,grub,burnorotherwisedestroyanyvegetationgrowingonanylandnotthencultivatedbetween1stdayofMarchand31stdayofAugustinanyyearasperrequirementsoftheWildlife(Amendment)Act,2000.

• Landowners foundburning illegally could facefines, imprisonmentandSingleFarmPaymentpenalties.

• LandownerswishingtocarryoutprescribedburningduringthelegalperiodmustnotifyinwritingallForestownerswithinonemileandtheFireServiceand localGarda station inadvanceof theburningoperation.

• Considersmokeimpactsonadjacentcommunities.Ifindoubt,don’tburn.• Planforthelikelihoodoffireandprepareescaperoutesandassembly

points forworkers operating equipment in the event of fire. Keepwater tankers to hand throughout harvesting operations duringdroughtconditions.

21

FurtherinformationonRestrictionsonCuttingHedgerowsandBurningis available at: https://www.npws.ie/legislation/irish-law/restrictions-cutting-hedgerows

BARBECUE SAFETY ADVICEOutdoor activities are often a great way to spend your leisure timebut they have their own set of unique fire risks that should not beunderestimated.

Abarbecue shouldbea safeandenjoyableexperiencebut it’s all tooeasy to be distracted when you have friends and family around youwhilst cooking. To avoid injuries, or damage to property, follow thesesimpleprecautions:• NeverBBQonabalcony.• Makesureyourbarbecueisingoodworkingorder.• Ensure the barbecue is on a flat site, well away from the house/

apartment,treesorshrubs.• Keepchildren,gardengamesandpetswellawayfromthecookingarea.• Neverleavethebarbecueunattended.• Keepabucketofwaterorsandnearbyforemergencies.• Neverbarbecueinparks,wildlandareasoranysiteincloseproximity

tovegetation,treesetc.• Ensurethebarbecueiscoolbeforeattemptingtomove.

FORESTSForest owners and managers should consider the fire mitigationmeasuresthattheycanputinplacetohelppreventlossordamagetoforestresourcesandhabitatsthroughfire:• Risk assessment:Assess yourpropertywith regard tofire risk and

mitigationfactors.• Prepare:FirePlansshouldbedevelopedforallforests.• BeVigilant: Forestowners shouldbeparticularly vigilant following

prolonged dry spells. See https://www.teagasc.ie/crops/forestry/forest-fire-risk/forcurrentForestFireRiskConditionrating.

22

• Cooperate:Cooperationbetweenneighbouringlandownersiscriticaltosuccessfulfireprevention.Forestownersshouldcooperatewithneighboursinrelationtofireplanningandsharetheburdenoffirepatrolsandvigilance.

• ReportFiresImmediately:Ifyouseeafire,donotdelay;reportittotheFireandEmergencyServicesstraightawayvia112or999.Donotwaitforsomebodyelsetomakethecall.

Reportalllosses.Ifyourforestisdamagedordestroyed,reportthislossassoonaspossibletotheGardaiandtheDepartmentofAgriculture.

Further information on fire management and wildfire protection isavailableat:http://www.agriculture.gov.ie/forestservice/firemanagement/

Duringfire-fightingoperationsdonotflydrones in thevicinityoffiresorfirefightingoperations,asdoingsocouldposeseveresafetyriskstoaerial operations, flight crews and individuals on the ground. Dronesflyinginthevicinityofaircraftpresentaserioushazardandcanhamperfirefightingefforts.

23

MILITARY RANGES

MILITARY FIRING RANGES - WARNINGIfyouarehillwalkinginthecountrysidepleasewatchoutforthespecialsignsindicatingMilitaryRangeLands.DonotwalkontotheseRangesasyoucouldbeinGREATDANGERatalltimesfromunexplodedshellsandotherdangerousammunition.

REDFLAGSindicateLIVEFIRING.

IfyouarevisitingtheGlenofImaal,CoWicklow,forfurtherinformation,includingfreemapsofthearea,pleasecontact:ArmyRangeWardenService,SeskinSchool,GlenofImaalTel:(045)404653

WatchoutforthewarningsignsANDTAKECARE!

24

EUROPEAN HEALTH INSURANCE CARDEnsureyouobtainyourfreeEuropeanHealthInsuranceCard(EHIC)beforeyougoabroad.EHICallowsyougethealthcare inanotherEUorEuropeanEconomicArea(EEA)stateforfree,oratareducedcost.Itcoversyouifyouareonholiday,oronashort-termstaywhichislessthanthreemonths.Youneedacardforeachmemberofyourfamily.It’sfreeandthere’snochargetoapply.Onceyouapplythecardtakesabouttenworkingdaystoarrive.You’llfindfulldetailsofhowtoapplyonwww.hse.ie

SKIN CANCERSkin cancer is the most common type of cancer, although most skincancersarepreventablebyprotectingskinfromUV(ultraviolet)radiation.Skincancerdevelopswhencellsaredamagedandgrowuncontrollably.Exposure to UV rays, from the sun or sunbeds, is themost commoncauseofskincancer.UVradiationfromthesunismeasuredusingaUVindex–thisishighestinIrelandbetweenAprilandSeptemberandpeaksbetween11amand3pmevenoncloudydays.Youareathigherrisk ifyouspendalotoftimesoutdoors,duetoyourworkorleisureactivities.Itisparticularlyimportanttoprotectthevulnerableskinofbabiesandyoungchildren.

SOME SIMPLE STEPS TO REDUCE YOUR RISK• Know the UV Index:When the UV index is 3 or above you need

to protect your skin. In Ireland, this usually occurs from April toSeptember,evenwhenitiscloudy.

• Plan your daytolimittimeinthesunwhenUVisstrongest,typicallybetweenthehoursof11amand3pm.

HEALTH PREPAREDNESS

25

TIPS TO KEEP YOUR ENVIRONMENT COOL• Keepyourlivingspacecool.Thisisespeciallyimportantforinfants,

the elderly or those with chronic health conditions or those whocan’tlookafterthemselves.

• Keepwindowsthatareexposedtothesunclosedduringtheday,andopenwindowsatnightwhenthetemperaturehasdropped.

• Closecurtainsthatreceivemorningorafternoonsun.• Turnoffnon-essentiallightsandelectricalequipment-theygenerateheat.

HEAT AND HEAT WAVEExtreme heat can causeexhaustion, heat stroke andaggravate pre-existinghealth conditions. Thevery young, the elderly,people with underlyingmedical conditions andtheseriouslyillaregroupswhoareparticularlyatriskof health problems whentemperatures increase.Neverleavechildrenaloneinhotvehicles.Stay insideduringthehottestpartoftheday(11am-3pm)andlimittimeoutsideinthesun.Keep Hydrated.

26

This isadvicethatcouldapplytoanyone,however, itcontainscertain,extra elements that may be relevant to persons with disabilities. Ifpossible,makeyourselfawareofarelativeorneighbour’sdisabilityandaskthemhowbestyoucanhelpthemifrequired.Arrangeregularvisitsorphonecallsattimesofsevereweather.

GENERAL ADVICE• KeepoutofthesunattimesadvisedbyMetÉireann.• Drinkenoughwater.Stayinghydrated isessential,butdrinkingtoo

muchteaorcoffeeisactuallycounterproductive.• Wearlight,loose-fittingcottonclothesandahatforshade.• Wearwrap-aroundsunglasseswithUVprotection.• Wearsunprotectionfactor30oroverwitha4or5StarUVArating.• Many prescription medicines can reduce tolerance of heat. Keep

takingyourmedicines,buttakeextracaretokeepcool.• Danger symptoms towatchout for inhotweather include feeling

faintanddizzy,shortnessofbreath,vomiting,orincreasingconfusion.• Takeimmediateactionifdangersymptomsofheatstrokearepresent.

Cool down as quickly as possible. However do not take aspirin orparacetamol–thiscanmakeyouworse.Do,however,carryontakingallotherprescribedmedicines.

• Keepmedicinesasperinstructionsonthepackaging.• Seekmedicaladviceifyouaresufferingfromachronicconditionor

takingmultiplemedications.• Try to get help if you feel dizzy, weak, anxious or have intense

thirstandheadache;movetoacoolplaceandmeasureyourbody

PEOPLE WITH DISABILITIES

27

temperature.Drinksomewaterorfruitjuicetorehydrate.• Restimmediatelyinacoolplaceifyouhavepainfulmuscularcramps

(particularlyinthelegs,armsorabdomen)anddrinkoralrehydrationsolutionscontainingelectrolytes.

• Seekmedicalattentionasneededifheatcrampslastmorethanonehour.

• Contactyourdoctororapharmacist ifyouareworriedaboutyourhealthduringaheatwave,especiallyifyouaretakingmedication,ifyoufeelunwellorhaveanyunusualsymptoms.

• Watchforfeelingsofmildconfusion,weaknessorproblemssleeping.• Ifyouhavearespiratoryconditionpaycloseattentiontopollencount

warningsfromMetÉireann.• Seek advice on whether being in a building with air conditioning

couldaggravatearespiratorycondition.• Ifyouaredeaf,hardofhearingorhaveaspeechimpairmentregister

fortheEmergencyCallAnsweringService112textservice;youmayneedtocontacttheemergencyservices.

• Ifyouhaveaguide/assistancedogmakesureyourdogkeepscoolandisadequatelyhydrated.

KEEPING AN EYE ON PERSONS WITH DISABILITIES• Keepaclosereyeonapersonwithacognitiveimpairmentasthey

maynotbeabletocommunicatedistress.Insomecases,theymaynoteven“feel”theheatordiscomfort.

• Ensurethattheyhavesufficientsuppliesoffoodandmedications.• Ensurethattheyhaveaccesstopowerandwater.• Ifyouhaveanydoubtsaboutthesafetyofsomeoneyouknowwho

has adisability seek theassistanceof theGardaSíochánaor localhealthandsocialservices.

28

TheHealthandSafetyAuthority is responsible forregulatingthehealthand safety of workers in all workplaces, whether indoors or outdoors.Duringthesummeritrequiresemployerstoensurethatindoorworkersare providedwith awell ventilated and comfortableworking area. Forthosewhohavetoworkoutdoors,theymustbeprotectedfromtheeffectsof excessive sunlight as set out below. There is no maximum workingtemperaturesetinlegislationforworkingeitherindoorsoroutdoors.

Itisalegalrequirementforallthosewhoworkoutdoorstobeprotectedfromtheeffectsofexcessivesunshinewhileworking,soemployersarerequiredtohavesafetymeasuresinplacetoprotecttheiremployees.

Themaincauseofskincancer isultraviolet (UV) light fromthesun. Itisgoodforgeneralhealthtoenjoytheoutdoors.Wejustneedtothinkabouthowweprotectourskinwhenoutside.

EMPLOYER PROTECTIVE MEASURESTherearearangeofprotectivemeasuresasfollows:• BetweenAprilandSeptember,planoutdoorworktolimitduration

and intensity of employee exposure to direct sunlight, especiallybetween11amand3pm,whensunraysaremostintense.

• TheUVindexcanbecheckedathttps://www.met.ie/uv-index.SkinshouldbeprotectedwhentheUVindexisabove3.

• Provideshadeifpossible.• Ensurebreaksaretakenoutofdirectsunlight.• Encourageemployees to cover skin, keepclothingonwith sleeves

THE WORKPLACE

29

downandcollarsup,awidebrimmedhatandwraparoundsunglasses,wearclothingmadefromclose-wovenmaterialthatdoesnotallowsunlightthrough.

• Providesunscreen,broad-Spectrum(UVA/UVB)SPFofatleast30.• Providewraparoundsunglasses.• Self-employedworkersmustprovidetheirownsafetymeasures.• Giveinformationtoemployeesaboutdangersofsunexposure.• Informemployeesaboutthehowtoprotecttheirskin.

USEFUL SITESIrishCancerSocietyatwww.cancer.ieEUHealthProgramatwww.skinmama.eu

TIPS FOR KEEPING COOL• Itisbesttoavoidgettingtoohotinthefirstplace.• Useprotectivemeasuresasabove.• Ifyou’replanningtotravel,checktheforecastatyourdestination.• Learnhowtokeepcoolandsafeathome-useHSEguidance.• Keephydrated.• Useshade.

KEEP YOUR ENVIRONMENT COOL• Keepyourlivingspacecool.Thisisespeciallyimportantforinfants,

the elderly or those with chronic health conditions or those whocan’tlookafterthemselves.

• Openwindowsatnightwhenthetemperaturehasdropped.• Closecurtainsthatreceivemorningorafternoonsun.• Turnoffnon-essentiallightsandequipment–theygenerateheat.• Keepplantsandbowlsofwaterindoors,evaporationhelpscooltheair.• Ifpossible,moveintoacoolerroom,especiallyforsleeping.• Electricfanscanhelpbutonlyiftemperatureisbelow35C.

30

STAY SAFEFarmingisalwaysadangerousoccupationanditisevenmoresowhenextremesofweatherarrive.FarmersshouldPLANinordertominimisetheeffectsofextremehotweatheronyourfarmandyourfamily.

LOOK AFTER YOUR PERSONAL SAFETY• Alwaystellsomeonewhenandwhereyouaregoingoutonthefarm,

andforhowlongyouwillbegone.• Wear suitable clothing and appropriate personal protective

equipment(evenifitisuncomfortableinhotweather).• ReduceyourriskofskincancerbyprotectingyourskinfromUVrays,

particularlybetweenAprilandSeptember.• Carryachargedmobilephoneanddrinkingwater.

LOOKING AFTER OTHERS.• Childrenshouldalwaysbesupervisedonfarms.• Visitors(includingfamilyrelatives)maynotbefamiliarwithafarm

environmentandshouldbeaccompaniedwhenoutonthefarm.

LOOKING AFTER LIVESTOCK• Ensureyouranimalshavesufficientreservesofwaterandfodderat

alltimes.• Ensureyouranimalshavesufficientshelter/shade.• Bemindfuloftheweatherconditionswhentransportinganimals.• Haveaplantodealwithapoweroutage.

YOU AND YOUR FARM

31

Youcangetmoreinformationfrom:• https://www.agriculture.gov.ie/animalhealthwelfare/

The Department of Agriculture has a dedicated helpline and emailaddresstoreportincidentsofanimalcruelty:• AnimalWelfareHelpline016072379or0761064408.• Email-animalwelfare@agriculture.gov.ie

ELECTRICITYGet a copy of the booklet “Farm Well....Farm Safely” from the ESBNetworkswebsitewww.esb.ie. Ittellsyouallyouneedtoknowaboutusingelectricequipmentonyourfarm:• Specialregulationsapplytotheconnectionanduseofgenerators.• Theconnectionmustbeinstalledbyaqualifiedelectrician.• ESBmustbenotifiedofproposedoperationofagenerator.• Incorrectconnectioncancausea‘back-feed’posingarisktoyourself,

otherconsumersandmaintenancestaff.

OTHER HAZARDS• Don’tletanyoneinexperiencedusemachinery.• Ensurethatequipment/machineryhasbeenservicedproperlyandis

ingoodworkingorder.• Becarefulwhenusingequipmentwhichyoumaynothaveusedfor

sometime.• Donot“RiskIt”-ifyoudonotknowhowtousetheequipmentget

someonetoadviseyouorfindouthowtouseitsafely.• Particular care is neededwhile using chainsaws - see the booklet

“Safe Working with Timber and Chainsaws” on the HSA websitewww.hsa.ie

32

Schools should ensure they have the relevant contact details of theprincipalresponseagenciesfortheirarea,includingAnGardaSíochána,firebrigadeandlocalauthoritiesandotherappropriateservices.Schoolsshouldalsohavecontactdetailsforthetransportservicesservingtheirschool.

Mostschoolsuseatextmessagingservicetocommunicatewithparentsandstaff.Localradio,theschool’swebsiteorsocialmediamayalsobeusefultoadviseparentsandstudentsofanyissuesthatmayarisethatcouldpreventschoolsfromopening.

WEATHER WARNINGS FROM MET ÉIREANNSchoolsshouldmonitorweatherforecastsinordertobepreparedforanysevereweatherwhichmayaffecttheschoolduringthesummer.Duringperiods of severeweather school authorities should keep themselvesinformedandassessthesituation.

SCHOOLS AND WATER USAGEAstheacademicyearcomestoanend,IrishWaterasksallschoolsandcollegestoassesstheirwaterusageandcheckforleaksandtosupportwaterconservationefforts.

SCHOOLS

33

EMERGENCY SERVICESIfyouhaveanemergencypleasephonetheemergencyservicesat112or999.

Intheeventofanyemergencyonwater, includingoffshore,alongthecoastline,oninlandwaterways,lakesorriverscall112or999andaskfortheCoastGuard.

Remembertohavephonenumbersforyourdoctor,chemist,children’sschools, local authority, Garda station, service providers and familymembersconvenientlytohandsothatyoucanlocatethemeasilyshouldanemergencyarise.

SERVICESESBNetworksLoCall1850372999GasNetworksIrelandLoCall1850205050IrishWaterLoCall1890278278

WEATHER FORECASTYoucanobtainthelatestweatherforecastfromthefollowingsources:• VisitthehomepageofMetÉireannwebsite:www.met.ie• Listentonationalandlocalradiohourlynewsbulletins.• WatchweatherreportsafterTVnewsbulletins.• DownloadtheMetÉireannapp.

CONTACT INFORMATION

34

HSE MAP CENTRETheHealthServiceExecutivehasafacilityonthehomepageofitswebsitewww.hse.iewhereyoucanfindhealth services inyourarea. Justenteryouraddressandchooseanoptiontofindyournearesthospital,pharmacy,doctor,Garda station,nursinghomeordentist.Directionsareprovidedfromyourhometotherequiredservice.TRANSPORTDuringperiodsofdisruption,theindividualtransportprovidersitesareupdatedonacontinuousbasis.

The following are contact details for Public Transport providers. Youshould also keep to hand contact information for your local privatetransportoperators.

BUSDublinBus:• CustomerServiceNumber-(01)8734222• Twitter:@dublinbusnews• Facebook:/dublinbusnews

BusÉireannIntercity/CommuterBusServices:• Twitter:@buseireann• Facebook:/buseireann• Contact:1850836611orcustomercare@buseireann.ie

GO AHEAD IRELAND• CustomerQueries–1850804071• Twitter:@GoAheadIreland• Facebook:/goaheadireland12

35

LOCAL LINKLocal Link bus services are operated and managed by local officesthroughout the country. Contact information for services in your areaareavailableatwww.locallink.ie

RAILIarnrodÉireannincludingIntercity/Dart/CommuterRail:• CustomerServiceNumber–1850366222• Twitter:@irishrail• Facebook:/iarnrodeireann

LUAS SERVICES• LuasCustomerCare:LoCall1850300604or014614911• Twitter:@luas• Facebook:/luas

36

BUS ÉIREANN TRAVEL CENTRESLocation Counter ServicesBallina Mon-Thurs:0900-1300&1400-1715Friday:0900-1300

&1400-1700Cavan Mon-Sun:0700-1800Cork Mon-Fri:0900-1730Dundalk Mon-Sat:0700-1630Sunday:0800-1630Galway Mon-Fri:0900-1300&1400-1700Saturday:1030-1630Killarney Mon-Fri:0830-1300&1345-1630Letterkenny Mon-Fri:0900-1345&1445-1800Limerick Mon-Fri:0900-1300&1400-1730Monaghan Mon-Sun:0700-2000Sligo Mon-Fri:0830-1700Tralee Mon-Fri:0830-1300&1345-1630Waterford Mon-Fri:0930-1645

BUS ÉIREANN SCHOOL TRANSPORT OFFICESFor Services in Counties Contact Office Phone NumbersWestmeath,Longford,Offaly,Roscommon,Laois

Athlone (090)6473277

Mayo Ballina (096)71816Dublin,Kildare,Wicklow,Meath Dublin (01)8302222Louth,Monaghan,Cavan Dundalk (042)6825900Cork Cork (021) 455 7137

(021)4557129Clare,Limerick,TipperaryNorth Limerick (061)217484Galway Galway (091)537530Sligo,Leitrim Sligo (071)9160440Donegal Stranorlar (074)9131008Waterford,TipperarySouth,Carlow,Kilkenny,Wexford

Waterford (051)873401

Kerry Tralee (066)7164750

37

AIRArrivals/DepartureInformationisavailableattheairportwebsites:Airport Website Phone NumbersDublinAirport www.dublinairport.com

Twitter:@dublinairport(01)8141111

CorkAirport www.corkairport.comTwitter:@corkairport

(021)4313131

ShannonAirport www.shannonairport.comTwitter@shannonairport

(061)712000

IrelandWestAirportKnock

www.irelandwestairport.comTwitter:@Irelandwest

(094)9368100

KerryAirport www.kerryairport.comTwitter:@kerryairport

(066)9764644

DonegalAirport www.donegalairport.ieTwitter:@DonegalA

(074)9548284

AerArannIslands www.aerarannislands.ieTwitter:@AerArann

(091)593034

SEAForArrivals/DepartureInformationvisitthefollowingwebsites:Ferry Service Website Phone NumbersIrishFerries www.irishferries.com 0818300400StenaLine www.stenaline.ie (01)2047777P&OFerries www.poferries.com (01)6869467BrittanyFerries www.brittanyferries.ie (021)4277801

38

CITY AND COUNTY COUNCILSCouncil Website Phone Numbers

Office Hours Out of Office HoursCarlowCo. www.carlow.ie (059)9170300 (059)9170300CavanCo. www.cavancoco.ie (049)4378300 (049)4378300ClareCo. www.clarecoco.ie (065)6821616 0874169496CorkCo. www.corkcoco.ie (021)4276891 (021)4800048CorkCity www.corkcity.ie (021)4924000 (021)4966512DonegalCo. www.donegal.ie (074)9153900 Water:

1850278278Roads:(074)9172288

DublinCity www.dublincity.ie (01)2222222 (01)6796186DunLaoghaire/RathdownCo.

www.dlrcoco.ie (01)2054700 (01)6778844

FingalCo. www.fingalcoco.ie (01)8905000 (01)8905000GalwayCo. www.galway.ie (091)509000 (091)506000GalwayCity www.galwaycity.ie (091)536400 (091)536400KerryCo. www.kerrycoco.ie (066)7183500 (066)7183500KildareCo. www.kildare.ie/

countycouncil(045)980200 1890500333

KilkennyCo. www.kilkennycoco.ie (056)7794000 1890252654LaoisCo. www.laois.ie (057)8664000 (057)8664000LeitrimCo. www.leitrimcoco.ie (071)9620005 (071)9620005LimerickCity&Co.

www.limerick.ie (061)496000 (061)417833

LongfordCo. www.longfordcoco.ie (043)3343300 1850211525LouthCo. www.louthcoco.ie (042)9334549 1890202203MayoCo. www.mayococo.ie (094)9024444 (094)9034706MeathCo. www.meath.ie (046)9097000 1890445335

39

MonaghanCo. www.monaghan.ie (047)30500 Monaghan:087650833Carrickmacross/Castle-blayney:0876873154Ballybay/Clones:0872041672MonaghanTown:0872424222

OffalyCo. www.offaly.ie (057)9346800 1890750750RoscommonCo. www.roscommoncoco.ie (090)6637100 (090)6637100SligoCo. www.sligococo.ie (071)9111111 (071)9111111SouthDublinCo. www.sdcc.ie (01)4149000 (01)4574907TipperaryCo. www.tipperarycoco.ie 0761065000 Roads/

Housing:1890923948Water:1890278278

WaterfordCity&Co.

www.waterfordcouncil.ie 0761102020 0761102020

WestmeathCo. www.westmeathcoco.ie (044)9332000 (044)9332000WexfordCo. www.wexfordcoco.ie (053)9196000 1890666777WicklowCo. www.wicklow.ie (0404)20100 (01)2916117

40

IMPORTANT PHONE NUMBERSEIRCODEDoctor[Name] [Phone] [AltPhone]

Veterinary Surgeon[Name] [Phone] [AltPhone]

Dentist[Name] [Phone] [AltPhone]

Neighbour[Name] [Phone] [AltPhone]

Other Emergency Contact[Name] [Phone] [AltPhone]

Chemist[Name] [Phone] [AltPhone]

School[Name] [Phone] [AltPhone]

GardaSíochána 999or112 [AltPhone]

Fire/AmbulanceService/CoastGuard

999or112 [AltPhone]

Service ProvidersGas [Phone] [AltPhone]

Electric [Phone] [AltPhone]

Water [Phone] [AltPhone]

City/CountyCouncil [Phone] [AltPhone]

41

DevelopedbytheOffice of Emergency Planninginassociationwith:

AllGovernmentDepartments

AnGardaSíochána

BusÉireann

EnvironmentalProtectionAgency

ÓglaighnahÉireann

HealthandSafetyAuthority

HealthServiceExecutive

IrishCoastGuard

IrishWater

MetÉireann

NationalDisabilityAuthority

OfficeofPublicWorks

RoadSafetyAuthority

Teagasc

WaterSafetyIreland

42Ireland’s public health advice is guided by WHO and ECDC advice

Continue to:

#holdfirm

CoronavirusCOVID-19Public HealthAdvice

Stay safe.Protect each other.

Coronavirus COVID-19

Washyour hands welland often to avoidcontamination.

Coveryour mouth and nose with a tissue or sleeve when coughing or sneezing and discard used tissue safely

Distanceyourself at least2 metres (6 feet) away from other people, especially those who might be unwell

Avoidcrowds andcrowded places

Knowthe symptoms. If you have them self isolate and contact your GP immediately

COVID-19 symptoms include> high temperature> cough> breathing difficulty> sudden loss of sense of smell or taste> flu-like symptoms

If you have any symptoms, self-isolate to protect others and call your GP for a COVID-19 test.

www.gov.ie/health-covid-19www.hse.ie

For more information

NOTES

43Ireland’s public health advice is guided by WHO and ECDC advice

Continue to:

#holdfirm

CoronavirusCOVID-19Public HealthAdvice

Stay safe.Protect each other.

Coronavirus COVID-19

Washyour hands welland often to avoidcontamination.

Coveryour mouth and nose with a tissue or sleeve when coughing or sneezing and discard used tissue safely

Distanceyourself at least2 metres (6 feet) away from other people, especially those who might be unwell

Avoidcrowds andcrowded places

Knowthe symptoms. If you have them self isolate and contact your GP immediately

COVID-19 symptoms include> high temperature> cough> breathing difficulty> sudden loss of sense of smell or taste> flu-like symptoms

If you have any symptoms, self-isolate to protect others and call your GP for a COVID-19 test.

www.gov.ie/health-covid-19www.hse.ie

For more information

44

BE SUMMER-READYBe Summer-Ready Booklet

The booklet can be downloaded from the website www.gov.ie/summerready or by writing to The Office of Emergency Planning, National Emergency Coordination Centre, Agriculture House (2 East), Kildare Street, Dublin 2

An Irish language version is also available. Copies are available by contacting the Office of Emergency Planning

The contents of these pages are provided as an information guide only. They are intended to enhance public access to information for preparing and dealing with events during the summer. While every effort is made in preparing material for publication no responsibility is accepted by or on behalf of the Government Task Force on Emergency Planning or the Office of Emergency Planning for any errors, omissions or misleading statements on these pages or any site to which these pages connect.

www.gov.ie/summerready

@emergencyIE

LoCall: 1890 252 736 or 0761 001 608

e-mail: oep@defence.ie

#besummerready