Civil Defence
Our goal:
"To provide backup services in the event of major emergencies and to assist at Community events.
Brief History
Civil Defence is a VOLUNTARY organisation. It is open persons between the ages of 16 and 65. Civil Defence was set up during the '50s and was intended to assist the general public in wartime situations by assisting communities and lessening human suffering in times of crisis.
Over the years, and particularly with the International Peace moves in the late '80s, this wartime role was reassessed and the organisation now places far greater emphasis on giving improved services to the general community at local and national level. In addition to this Civil Defence plans, and undertakes, extensive training to be in a position to provide appropriate response as a back-up service to the other Local Authority Services in the event of Major Emergency situation occurring.
The real strength of the Civil Defence organisation is the fact that the members give of their time, expertise and experience in a voluntary manner.
Purpose
The Government has decided that the Civil Defence mission should continue to be: To facilitate, through the Local Authorities, Civil Defence responses for emergency relief and support to ensure the operation of vital services and the maintenance of public life and to provide other community supports as directed by the Government. The members of the Civil Defence organisation are volunteers and local administration is arranged by a full time Civil Defence Officer. Members are trained in various skills such as first aid, ambulance skills, rescue, basic fire fighting, evacuee care, land and water search, radiation monitoring, boat handling, driving, and communications. Other skills taught are map reading, compass work, response to flooding, environmental problems, blizzard conditions and major emergencies.
Services
The main services, which were originally set up to form the main functions of the Civil Defence organisation, were Auxiliary Fire, Casualty, Rescue, Warden and Welfare. In recent years two new services were added, i.e. Boating and Kayaking, and all these services provide the basis for the training, which takes place, particularly during the period September to May annually. These services incorporate training in First Aid, Ambulance Skills, Water & Land Searching, Map Reading, Radiation Monitoring, GPS Navigation, Basic Fire Fighting, Radio Communications, Boat Handling, Kayaking, Basic Rescue and Rope Rescue etc..
Civil Defence - Working with the Community
To supplement and enhance training various courses are undertaken, for which certification is provided, and competitions/exercises between other Local Authorities are arranged annually. In addition Civil Defence provides support to many community events such as Point to Point Races, Athletics Road Races, Sports Meetings, Gymkhanas, Regattas, Cycling Events, etc., and also provides transport for charitable organisation such as Chernoble Children, Mission Aid, Social Services, Irish Wheelchair Association, St. Vincent de Paul, Special Summer Camps etc.. This voluntary work also gives the volunteer a hands-on approach to demonstrate the skills attained in the training centres.
Administration:
The administration of Civil Defence in the County is as follows: The County Manager for North Tipperary County Council is the County Controller and the day to day administrator of the service is carried out by the County Civil Defence Officer.
The Civil Defence Officer can be contacted at the County Council Offices, Civic Offices, Limerick Road, Nenagh, Co. Tipperary, Ireland, or as follows:
Telephone: +353-67-44503
Facsimile: +353-67-33999
E-Mail: civildefence@northtippcoco.ie
Membership
Membership is open to persons between the ages of 16 and 65. Members are drawn from all walks of life with diversity in age, education, social background and physical abilities. The following gives an outline of what is expected of members:
- Carry our duties in compliance safely legislation and work to the best of her/his ability
- Uphold and Enhance the good standing and reputation of the Civil Defence Organisation
- Wear the Civil Defence Uniform/Working Dress while on Duty
- Ensure that where possible Civil Defence activity does not damage the environment
- Be a Leader in your community and always act to promote and safeguard the interest and well being of the community
- Recognise and respect the individuality and dignity of each person under your care and respond to the situation regardless of ethnic origin, religious beliefs or other factor
- Always treat members of the public with respect and consideration ensuring that no action, mistake or lapse in responsibility affect the safety or interest of the public or those under Civil Defence care
- Recognise and respect the involvement of others in the planning and delivery of assistance for the overall good of the community
The Civil Defence Badge
Members, to show that they are part of a world-wide network of VOLUNTEERS, wear
the International Badge.
Translate 
