Civil Defence is a volunteer-based organisation whose members are proud to serve as a high quality back-up to the primary emergency services and the local community. Volunteers are multi-skilled and the main programmes of activity undertaken by the organisation are:
Casualty: Provision of a first aid and ambulance service;
Rescue: Urban rescue, open country search for missing persons, and water-based search and recovery;
Auxiliary Fire Service: Pump and related skills drills, floodwater training, and supplying water to the community;
Welfare: Provision of hot meals, drinks, and psychosocial support;
Communications: Operation of two independent radio systems.
Members also receive training in skills such as traffic management and stewarding. Many of these skills are widely used when dealing with major climatic events such as the 2009 floods in Athlone, the big freezes in January 2009, December 2010, and January 2011 throughout Westmeath, St Patrick Day’s Parades, and sports and entertainment events. Such events demonstrate the importance of having a vibrant, organised, and well-trained local membership in Civil Defence.
Have you two hours a week free? Would you like to learn some of these skills? Would you like to meet new people? Would you like to be involved in working in the community?
If the answer to these questions is yes then why not come along to an information evening on Monday September 26 from 8-9pm in the Harp Suite, Greville Arms Hotel, Mullingar.
Civil Defence is all about providing voluntary services and support to the emergency services and the community. The strength lies within its members who willingly give freely of their time and expertise.
You can play your part by joining Westmeath Civil Defence. Why not come along to the information evening?
Westmeath Civil Defence HQ is located in Culleen Beg, Mullingar. Contact Brian Gillen, Civil Defence officer at (087 ) 2546033 or email [email protected]. Further information is available at www.westmeathcoco.ie or www.civildefence.ie
