As readers may be aware, in the event of extreme weather conditions which may likely result in rural fires, the government has introduced an SMS texting system. This enables people in the affected districts to obtain an alert from the national civil protection authority (ANPC) with contact telephone numbers where more information can be obtained. The system was activated in July.
“However, this service is currently restricted to rural fire alerts,” said David Thomas, president of Safe Communities Portugal. “With the approach of tropical storm Leslie, Safe Communities posted the ANPC notification in English on its website and Facebook. In respect of Facebook, it reached 155,000 people and, consequently, we received many enquiries from the public regarding preparations and, importantly, when and where it was safe to travel.”
From Safe Communities’ experience, it appears that there is “considerable demand” by the population to be able to obtain information during other “potential catastrophes such as heavy rain/storms resulting in damage and flooding or an earthquake or tsunami”.
“As some of these incidents could result in major damage to infrastructure or loss of life, together with extensive disruption of public services, there is likely to be a major demand placed on the government from the population for information and advice, both locally and from overseas,” said David Thomas.”
Safe Communities Portugal has, therefore, addressed this issue with the ANPC, requesting an expansion of this service. It awaits a reply.
