In an emergency situation it's vital to achieve the quickest possible activation of personnel and equipment. A haphazard response jeopardises safety and virtually ensures that things will not run efficiently.

Laois Civil Defence does not operate a pager system because the low volume of callouts would render this uneconomic. Mobile phones form the basis of the current system and they provide a flexible, affordable solution to the requirements.

The system operates on the "snowball" system. Basically the message passes down the operational chain of command:

Activating authority - Civil Defence Officer - Base OIC's - Team Leaders - Team Members.

At each level backups are nominated to allow for absences.

The callout plan is updated regularly and gives details of personnel, contact details and team structures. A copy is made available to all members to ensure that it is up to date and they know their roles in the plan.