Wexford Civil Defence

Overview
Civil Defence is a voluntary humanitarian organisation, dedicated to assisting the community in a variety of ways, but particularly in lessening human suffering in times of crisis.

Funding
Civil Defence is funded 70% from the Department Of Defence and 30% from the Council’s own resources.

Legislation
Air Raid Precautions Acts 1939 and 1946
Civil Defence Bill, 2002
Functions

Welfare
Civil Defence may be involved in looking after people displaced from their homes owing to some disaster - feeding people and providing shelter.

Hot meals can also be provided for Civil Defence Personnel and others involved in relief operations - flooding, blizzards etc. Rescue

Rescue work has been a feature of Civil Defence activity for many years. Civil Defence can provide trained rescue personnel to assist the Fire Service and An Garda Síochána in locating people who are lost or trapped, and removing injured or ill people without allowing their conditions to deteriorate. River, Lake and Coastal Area Search and Recovery is undertaken by Civil Defence when required by An Garda Síochána.

Casualty
All Civil Defence members receive instruction in First Aid and while on duty must assist in any way possible when they encounter casualties requiring First Aid. The greatest demand for assistance from Civil Defence is for ambulance and First Aid cover at community events.

Many organisations also avail of the excellent First Aid training which can be provided by Civil Defence instructors.

Warden
Civil Defence has organised a network of wardens dispersed around the County who, in the event of a radiological emergency, are equipped and trained to monitor and report on levels of radiation in each area and assist where required in implementation of control measures.

Auxiliary Fire Service
Civil Defence can provide assistance and support in major emergency situations.

In addition, Civil Defence members may be called out to give assistance in the event of environmental problems such as biological pollution of drinking water sources. Also, Civil Defence carries out stewarding at many local community events such as parades, festivals, sports events etc. and at national events when asked to provide back up support to An Garda Síochána.

Civil Defence volunteers are available and are trained to deal with emergency situations. In the event of Civil Defence assistance being required, you should contact the Civil Defence Officer.

Further information is available from:-

Civil Defence Officer,
County Hall,
Wexford.
Telephone 053-9196265
Email: cdo@wexfordcoco.ie

Or vist our website at www.wexfordcivildefence.ie