Severe weather – what managers need to do

This winter, it is important to prepare for periods of severe weather so that our services are not affected.

Updating your plans for severe weather

The severe weather planning (SWP) guidance document will help you plan for severe weather.

You should update your existing severe weather plans and make sure your staff are aware of them.

Weather conditions do not pose a threat to the whole population, only to those exposed to risk because of their location or activity.

Actions for managers:

ensure your major emergency plans are up to date
check communication systems in your services
ensure your service's list of vulnerable service users is correct (if appropriate)
identify possible impacts on services and facilities

Weather conditions may have a significant impact on affected areas.

Managers in the affected areas should prepare for the anticipated conditions.

Actions for managers:

emergency management will test Area Crisis Management Team (ACMT) notification system
chief officer will consider ACMT activation
managers will conduct a risk assessment specific to the forecasted weather effect on their service
service priorities around vulnerable service users to be addressed by managers
managers to undertake staff planning to mitigate the effect of the severe weather event

Weather conditions likely to severely impact people and services in the affected areas.

Managers in the affected areas should advise people to protect themselves and their properties.

This could include:

Actions for managers:

chief officer will activate ACMT (if not already done) and convene a meeting
managers will co-ordinate actions and communicate with staff
ACMT (if activated) to maintain contact with the National Crisis Management Team (NCMT)
managers to prioritise service users and staff safety
managers to identify possible impacts on services and facilities

HSE National Emergency Management Office
Contact: Assistant National Director for Emergency Management
national.em@hse.ie
Phone: 01 778 5122

HSE East Major Emergency Management Office
Contact: Chief Emergency Management Officer East Region
emergency.planning@hse.ie
Phone: 01 675 4100

HSE South Emergency Management Office
Contact: Chief Emergency Management Officer South Region
emo@hse.ie
Phone: 021 492 1622

HSE West Emergency Management Office
Contact: Chief Emergency Management Office West Region
emergency.managementwest@hse.ie
Phone: 091 775 933