It is remarkable that two of the six coldest spells in the recent weather history of Ireland
occurred in the same calendar year; that they were preceded by an exceptional flooding
event in November 2009 demonstrates the unpredictability of weather patterns which can
affect the country.
Report on the Review of the Response to Exceptional Severe Weather Events of 2009 - 2010
National Directorate for Fire and Emergency Management

Severe weather can potentially have a significant impact on the business environment. Just
how significant, is uncertain. The more severe and prolonged the weather related events in
terms of floods, snow or ice, the greater the likely impact. Severe weather may not just
affect your business, it may also be experienced by other businesses, in Ireland and globally.
The Government has launched a „Winter-Ready Information Campaign‟ to provide advice and
information to help the public be better prepared to deal with a period of severe weather.
The Office of Emergency Planning has prepared a booklet „Be Winter-Ready‟ and developed a
website www.winterready to provide practical advice and contact details of the main services
that can provide help in extreme weather-related emergencies. This initiative brings together
all the relevant services to provide practical advice to the public.

In addition the Department of Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation and Forfás have prepared a
short checklist for businesses to help in preparing for severe weather events, based on
previous guides for business continuity in the event of an influenza pandemic1. Business
continuity planning for high risks should be part of normal business practice. While many
enterprises, in particular large companies and financial institutions, already have plans in
place for business continuity including severe weather events, all enterprises need to be
informed and prepared for the range of disruptions that could arise.

This document focuses on the potential impact to business and offers advice on key issues
that should be addresses as well as suggesting measures to underpin business continuity. A
practical checklist is included to provide businesses with a basic template which could help
identify weaknesses in their business continuity plans.

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