The Irish Government is preparing new advice for households: **keep a small amount of cash permanently at home in case of emergencies**.
This marks a major shift from earlier warnings—especially directed at older people—that storing cash at home posed unnecessary security risks. But with growing concerns about digital vulnerabilities, authorities are now recognising that **physical cash plays a crucial role during national emergencies**.
Across Europe, governments and central banks are sending the same message. In Sweden and Austria, civil-protection agencies already advise citizens to keep enough cash to cover **several days of essentials** such as groceries, fuel, and basic supplies. The eurozone’s increasing reliance on electronic payments has created a potential weak point, and experts want households to be prepared if those systems unexpectedly fail.
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## **Why the Government Now Wants Households to Keep Cash at Home**
Three main concerns are driving this policy shift:
### **1. Power Outages**
A significant blackout—whether caused by storms, infrastructure failure, or a broader grid issue—can leave retailers unable to accept card payments.
### **2. Cyber Attacks**
European cyber-security agencies have repeatedly warned that digital payments could be disrupted by sophisticated attacks targeting financial institutions or payment networks.
### **3. Extended Electronic Payment Failures**
Even a temporary failure in card processing systems can quickly create widespread disruption. Cash becomes essential for buying **fuel, food, and emergency supplies**.
The Department of Defence plans to roll out detailed emergency-readiness guidelines over the winter months, including how much cash to keep and how households should store it safely.
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## **Where Should You Store Emergency Cash at Home?**
If you’re keeping any amount of money at home—**even a small emergency fund** then security is crucial. This is where a certified home safe becomes invaluable.
The safest place to keep home emergency cash is in a **high-quality, fire-resistant, securely mounted safe**.
### **Why a Phoenix Safe Is Ideal**
Phoenix Safes, available through **SafesOnline.ie**, offer features that make them particularly suitable for storing small amounts of household cash:
* **Fire Protection:** Many Phoenix models protect cash, documents, and digital media from fire damage—critical in a home emergency.
* **Tested Security:** Built to European security standards, Phoenix safes offer burglary resistance appropriate for domestic use.
* **Multiple Sizes:** Perfect for holding a modest “emergency cash float” along with passports, insurance documents, and valuables.
* **Fixing Options:** Proper anchoring significantly reduces the risk of theft, even in a break-in.
A home safe provides peace of mind—not just for cash, but for important household items that should always be protected.
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## **Tips for Storing Emergency Cash Safely**
If you’re planning to follow the upcoming government advice, here are a few guidelines:
### **✔ Keep it in a certified safe, not hidden around the house**
Hiding cash in drawers, under mattresses, or behind loose floorboards is ineffective and unsafe. Criminals know these spots.
### **✔ Don’t store large amounts**
The government is advising small, practical amounts—enough for a few days of essentials, not long-term savings.
### **✔ Don’t advertise that you keep cash at home**
Only trust immediate household members with this information.
### **✔ Consider diversifying your emergency items**
A Phoenix safe is also perfect for storing:
* Passports
* Birth certificates
* Property documents
* Emergency contact lists
* USB backups of important files
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## **Why Now Is the Time to Prepare**
Emergencies rarely give warning. Whether caused by severe weather, infrastructure failure, or a cyber incident, disruptions to banking and electronic payments can happen unexpectedly. The government’s new advice reflects a growing understanding across Europe: **resilience starts at home**.
Keeping a small cash reserve—securely stored in a reliable Phoenix safe from **SafesOnline.ie**—is a simple, practical step that ensures your household is ready for unforeseen events.
https://www.independent.ie/irish-news/keep-small-stash-of-cash-at-home-for-use-in-case-of-power-outages-or-cyber-attacks-households-to-be-advised/a1347073094.html