On the 9th November , the Government launched Be Winter-Ready, a campaign to raise awareness of the importance of preparing for severe weather during winter.

The Office of Emergency Planning has developed a website www.winterready.ie and a booklet "Be Winter-Ready" which will outline advice and information on a variety of topics concerning the Home, Clearing Snow, Water Shortages, Public Health and Safety, Flooding Advice, Road Safety, Schools, Farming, Business Sector and Contact Information.

As part of this campaign, this Department and Forfás has prepared a Guide titled, "Business Continuity Planning in Severe Weather - Advice to Businesses on Preparing for Severe Weather". The document  focuses on the potential impact to business and offers advice on key issues that should be addressed 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. The Guide will be available on the www.winterready.ie website as well as the Department's and Forfás'.