- Every household in Monaghan to receive ‘Personal and Community Resilience booklet’ and an ‘Emergency Magnet’
- Booklet sets out steps to help people prepare for range of emergencies
- The ‘Message in a Bottle’ saves critical time and could save a loved one’s life
- Steps for helping vulnerable neighbours ensuring no-one left behind
- Every householder asked to read the booklet, to keep it, and to use it
Every household in Monaghan will shortly receive a booklet delivered to their door that could save time, save a life, or even save their home in the event of an emergency. In a first-of-its-kind initiative, Monaghan County Council is distributing the ‘Personal and Community Resilience Booklet’ to every home and business across the county. People are asked to look out for the booklet and when it arrives they should read it, keep it in an obvious place, and above all, use it.
The booklet sets out the steps needed to be ready for a range of familiar crises – a health emergency needing the ambulance and paramedics; a fire where you need the fire brigade; severe flooding; loss of power after a weather event; a break-in to your home; scammers at the front door with fake IDs. The booklet provides clear, actionable steps to help families and the community prepare in advance. It contains contact information for local services and tips for helping vulnerable neighbours, ensuring that no one is left behind during a crisis.
‘In an era of increasing climate uncertainty and evolving risks—from severe weather events to public health emergencies—resilience is no longer just a reactive measure; it is a shared responsibility’ said Robert Burns, Chief Executive of Monaghan County Council. ‘This booklet is the first step in empowering our communities with the knowledge and tools they need to prepare, respond, and recover effectively. While Monaghan County Council and emergency services will always be here to assist, the first line of resilience is within our communities. By working together—checking on neighbours, sharing resources, and staying informed—we can reduce risks and build a stronger, more connected Monaghan.
Cathaoirleach of Monaghan County Council, Cllr Paul Gibbons ‘welcomed this initiative, which is a result of a strong partnership between Monaghan County Council, the Health Service Executive (HSE), and An Garda Síochána, reflecting a shared commitment to building safe, sustainable, and resilient communities across the county. This Resilience Booklet is more than just a document’ it’s a powerful resource that can help ensure every household in Monaghan is prepared for whatever life may throw their way. Be ready. Be resilient.’
Distribution of the Resilience Booklet will begin on May 5th, 2025, with booklets delivered directly to homes and businesses over a two-week period. Along with the booklet, every household will receive an ‘Emergency’ Fridge Magnet, which encourages residents to keep vital information—such as their Eircode and the location of the nearest defibrillator—visible at all times.
Speaking at the launch, Chief Fire Officer, Dermot Brannigan said that this booklet offers practical measures to take when the need arises and offers a point of reference for being prepared, which we can build upon. In essence, preparedness must be woven into the fabric of our community, and everyone has an important role to play. Today’s threats can be fast, complex, and interconnected, necessitating our response to be more proactive, more integrated, and more coordinated.
Also speaking at the launch, Senior Assistant Chief Fire Officer, Siobhán McKenna said that during emergencies, one of our biggest challenges is ensuring everyone receives critical information—not just those connected online. Social media and digital platforms play a huge role, but they don’t reach everyone. This booklet bridges that gap. By delivering it to every home and business in Monaghan, we’re ensuring that no one is left behind, regardless of age, ability, or access to technology.’
One example of the innovative features of the Resilience Booklet is the ‘Message in a Bottle’, which could prove lifesaving in a health emergency. When paramedics are called to assist an older person or someone with a medical condition, one of the first things they need to know is what health conditions the person has and what medications they’re on. Unfortunately, this critical information is often unavailable in a crisis, and precious time is lost.
To address this, every household (older people or people with medical conditions) in Monaghan will be asked to pick up a small green bottle from their local pharmacy or GP. Inside the bottle, there will be a form where families can record essential medical details. They will also receive three green cross stickers – one for the front door, one for the back door, and one for the fridge. When paramedics arrive, the green cross will signal that the fridge contains the ‘Message in a Bottle’. This will allow them to quickly access vital health information, saving precious time and potentially making the difference between life and death.
This project has been produced by Monaghan County Council, the Health Service Executive and An Garda Siochana. This Project is supported by the Department of Justice.
To access a digital copy of the ‘Personal and Community Resilience booklet’ please see the links below: