The key to an efficient response in an emergency is to have as much work as possible done in advance. If plans have been formulated correctly and implemented properly , there is much less scope for confusion when the time comes to put them into operation. Voluntary organisations such as Civil Defence also need call-out plans to bring personnel in from their everyday activities in an effective manner and without undue delay.

Plans need to be updated on a regular basis to take account of changes in personnel, equipment, procedures etc. Emergency plans also are designed so that they are within the comon framework of the Local Authority Emergency Plan so that agencies can cooperate efficiently.

Three of the main plans used by Laois Civil Defence are summarised in this section.