How would you cope in an Emergency situation?
Winter is coming!
In Ireland and the United Kingdom we don’t experience Hurricanes or destructive Tornados but we do have floods, high winds leading to power outages, occasional severe snow storms, icy roads, water shortages, fires and travel disruption.
Examples of recent flooding:
Belfast streets flooded following very heavy rainfall.
A Status Yellow rain warning has been issued for Clare, Kerry, Galway and Mayo. Up to an inch of rain is expected, with higher amounts possible on high ground from Sunday evening through Monday night.
With saturated ground and many drains blocked by fallen leaves, localised flash flooding is likely in affected areas.
As if attacks by Mother Nature were not bad enough here in the West we are now suffering from cyber attacks emanating from hostile nations such as Russia.
Be Prepared
In August this year the British government issued a statement urging “all households to stockpile nine key items to prepare for war on UK soil”!
The UK government has set up a website called “Prepare” which offers advice for households to be ready for any eventuality, not just war but grid outages, freak weather or any other kind of national emergency – https://prepare.campaign.gov.uk/check-the-risks-where-you-are/
This is the specific link for Northern Ireland – https://www.nidirect.gov.uk/campaigns/be-ready-emergencies
Or if you live in Ireland – https://www.gov.ie/en/department-of-defence/publications/being-prepared/
This website also has a link to a useful booklet from the Office of Emergency Planning – Preparing for Major Emergencies
Specially for Coeliacs
The “Be Prepared” information above is aimed at the general population but if you are Coeliac or have Coeliac children you need to be even more prepared if you are unfortunate enough to be caught up in any type of emergency!
Here are some ideas to help you plan!
Coeliac Emergency situations
Individuals with Coeliac Disease need to take extra precautions when preparing for emergencies like floods or being snowbound to ensure they have access to safe and gluten-free food. Here are some plans and tips:
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Stock Gluten-Free Emergency Supplies:
- Maintain a well-stocked emergency kit that includes gluten-free non-perishable foods like canned fruits, vegetables, beans, nuts, and gluten-free granola bars.
- Ensure you have a supply of gluten-free flours and grains such as rice, quinoa, or gluten-free pasta.
- Don’t forget gluten-free snacks like rice cakes, popcorn, or dried fruits.
- Store a supply of gluten-free protein sources such as canned tuna or chicken.
- Include gluten-free condiments like ketchup, mayonnaise, and salad dressings.
- Store drinking water in case your water supply becomes contaminated.
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Label and Separate:
- Clearly label all gluten-free items in your emergency kit to avoid cross-contamination.
- Keep separate utensils, pots, and pans for gluten-free cooking and designate a dedicated preparation area if possible.
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Communication:
- Inform family members, roommates, or anyone you’re sheltering with about your gluten-free needs and the importance of avoiding cross-contamination.
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Portable Cooking Tools:
- Consider investing in portable cooking tools such as a single-burner camping stove or a portable grill if safe cooking facilities are unavailable.
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Stay Informed:
- Stay updated on weather and emergency alerts through a battery-powered weather radio or a smartphone with emergency alerts enabled.
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Plan Ahead:
- If you live in an area prone to extreme weather events, plan for potential emergencies by creating a detailed emergency plan.
- Register with your local emergency management agency to receive notifications about evacuations or emergency services.
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Identify Gluten-Free Options:
- Research local food banks, shelters, or emergency relief organizations in your area to find out if they offer gluten-free options. Contact them in advance if possible to discuss your dietary needs.
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Store Medications and Medical Information:
- Ensure you have an ample supply of gluten-free medications and medical supplies.
- Carry a medical alert card or wear a medical bracelet that indicates your Coeliac Disease diagnosis and dietary restrictions.
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Community Support:
- Connect with local Coeliac Disease support groups or online communities to share information and resources on gluten-free emergency preparedness.
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Evacuation Plan:
- If an evacuation is necessary, pack your emergency kit with gluten-free foods and supplies, and be sure to take your medical necessities with you.
Remember that preparedness is key to managing Coeliac Disease during emergencies. Being proactive and having a well-thought-out plan will help ensure your safety and dietary needs are met during any emergency – small or large!
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Christmas 2025
Our new Christmas Dinner Menu and Holiday Drinks Guide are now available to download inside Skool. The first 50 members will get lifetime access for free, including all of our downloads. To sign up and join in the conversation, go to www.skool.com/gluten-free-8531
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A Career in Uniform?
While we are chatting about the Emergency Services here is some information for any Coeliacs thinking of a career in the Police or Military.
Irish Police Service – An Garda Siochana
Yes, an individual with Coeliac disease can likely serve in the Irish police Service (An Garda Síochána), provided the condition is well-managed with a gluten-free diet and they are otherwise medically fit to perform the duties of a Garda.
The Garda Síochána assesses medical conditions on an individual basis.
Key points:
- Individual Assessment: The Garda Síochána’s recruitment rules require all candidates to be certified by a medical practitioner as physically and mentally fit for duty. Each medical condition is assessed on its own merits to determine if it will interfere with the ability to perform a police officer’s duties.
- Reasonable Accommodation: European law and internal policy require the force to consider whether reasonable adjustments can be made to enable a person with a condition or disability to do the job.
- Manageable Condition: Official guidance from UK police forces (which often have similar standards or influence Irish policy) indicates that people with coeliac disease who have “minimal symptoms with good dietary control” are “likely to be suitable” for service.
In essence, having coeliac disease is not an automatic disqualifier. The crucial factor will be the individual’s overall health and their ability to manage their condition effectively within the operational requirements of the police service.
Irish Military
No, an individual with coeliac disease cannot serve in the Irish military because it is not considered medically fit for service. The primary concern is the inability to guarantee a strictly gluten-free diet in all circumstances, particularly during operations, which could lead to incapacitation and impact operational effectiveness.
Reasons for ineligibility
- Inability to maintain a gluten-free diet: It is not feasible to guarantee a gluten-free diet during all phases of military service, such as deployments and field operations.
- Risk to the individual and mission: The potential for accidental gluten consumption could lead to a serious health reaction, which could incapacitate the service member and potentially endanger others.
- Medical standard: Candidates must be free from any physical defect, abnormality, physiological condition, or past history of serious illness that could affect their duties. The condition of coeliac disease is viewed as a disqualifying medical condition under these standards.
Police Service of Northern Ireland – PSNI
Yes, an individual with coeliac disease can likely serve in the Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI), provided the condition is well-managed with a gluten-free diet and they meet the required health and fitness standards.
The PSNI, like other UK police forces, is an equal opportunities employer and considers all applicants with medical conditions or disabilities on an individual basis. A diagnosis of coeliac disease does not lead to an automatic rejection.
The process involves:
- Individual Assessment: The PSNI’s Occupational Health and Wellbeing team will assess each case individually to determine if the condition would prevent the applicant from performing the full range of police constable duties.
- Reasonable Adjustments: Consideration will be given to whether “reasonable adjustments” can be made to enable the individual to perform the job effectively. For coeliac disease, which is generally well-managed by diet, this typically means the applicant is considered suitable.
- Evidence Provision: Applicants will be required to provide recent medical evidence and documentation from their doctor or other appropriate professional detailing their condition and management plan.
If you have concerns, it is recommended to contact the PSNI Recruitment Team directly via email at info@joinpsni.co.uk for specific advice.
British Military
No, a person with a diagnosed coeliac disease cannot join the British Military, as it is currently not possible to guarantee a sustained gluten-free diet throughout a military career, especially during operations. While the military does accommodate other dietary needs like vegetarian or halal meals, gluten-free ration packs are not available, making it difficult to provide the necessary diet and manage the condition in all operational environments.
- Entry requirements: Individuals with coeliac disease are considered unfit for entry into the armed forces due to the inability to guarantee a gluten-free diet at all times.
- Operational challenges: Maintaining a strict gluten-free diet is a significant challenge during deployment, which is a key reason for the policy.
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- Other dietary accommodations: The military does provide alternatives for other dietary requirements, such as vegetarian, halal, and kosher meals.
- Current stance: The Ministry of Defence states that they are responsible for providing gluten-free options where “reasonably practicable,” but the current limitations mean that entry is not possible for those with coeliac disease.
USA Military
Can You Serve in the US Military If You Have Celiac?
(This answer came from Jenny Levine Finke’s website in the USA – https://www.goodforyouglutenfree.com/)
Jenny said:
I love when readers ask questions I don’t know the answer to—it gives me a reason to dig deeper!
Recently, someone asked if celiac disease disqualifies someone from serving in the U.S. military. I found an article from the Army Times detailing eight surprising medical conditions that can prevent enlistment, and, of course, celiac disease is on the list, along with food allergies.
Why? Likely because service members can be deployed where gluten-free meals are limited, and cross-contamination from prepared group meals could make someone ill.
While some branches may allow service thanks to the growing availability of gluten-free MREs, celiac disease will likely preclude military service.
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Have you eaten a Domino’s Gluten Free Pizza?
Many folk are fond of a Pizza meal and a Domino’s has opened in our town so I decided to enquire if they provide a Gluten Free version.
Domino’s offers gluten-free pizzas, which are made with a gluten-free crust and have a gluten content of less than 20 parts per million (ppm). However, the pizzas are prepared in a shared kitchen, so while they have specific procedures to minimize cross-contamination, Domino’s states it cannot guarantee a product is free from allergens.
These gluten-free pizzas are only available in a small size and cannot be customized with additional toppings.
The Gluten-free pizza details sound fine but there is a twist in the tale!
- Gluten-free crust: Domino’s uses a Dr. Schar gluten-free pizza base – Good!
- Accreditation: The in-store procedures for handling gluten-free pizzas are accredited by Coeliac UK, which verifies that they contain less than 20 ppm of gluten. So Far So Good!
- Preparation: Special care is taken during preparation, including using freshly cleaned equipment and not cutting the pizzas to reduce the risk of cross-contamination. Excellent!
- Availability: Gluten-free pizzas are available in a small size (9.5 inches) only. OK!
- Customization: Toppings cannot be changed to minimize the risk of cross-contamination. Sad but OK!
The twist in the Tale!
- Cross-contamination: Despite the precautions, Domino’s cannot guarantee against cross-contamination in its busy kitchen environment, and the pizzas are not suitable for those with coeliac disease who require a certified gluten-free environment.
So, despite Coeliac UK accreditation, are they only suitable for Gluten Free Lifestylers but not diagnosed Coeliacs?
What do you think or what’s your experience if you eat at Domino’s?
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You can find a range of our products available across Northern Ireland (Tesco, Sainsburys, Asda, Spar, Centra, SuperValu) and Ireland (Dunnes Stores).
Note: Most but not all our products are created Gluten Free so always check the ingredients before purchase!
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Thank you for your continued support,
Tina, Derek, Mike, Rachel, Lucy & Benji,
The GFI Team
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