ACTION IN THE EVENT OF RURAL FIRES – “EMERGENCY KITS”

YOU NEVER KNOW WHEN YOU MAY HAVE TO LEAVE HOME QUICKLY ESPECIALLY IN HIGH RISK AREAS

Over the last three weeks we have seen several major fires where people have been evacuated /displaced from their homes. As we have seen fires can move quickly so being prepared is important.

When you need to evacuate from a rural fire there may be no time to lose – this is not the time start thinking about what to pack. You must leave your home as soon as physically possible which is why an easy to carry Emergency Kit is a good thing to have on hand and stored in a convenient place.

If there are several people in your household, they should each have their own Emergency Kit – if only a couple, one shared kit should be enough. Backpacks are ideal for storing the necessary items and are quick to grab. Food and water could go in a cool box light enough to easily lift into your car.

A basic kit should comprise the following, but of course can be supplemented by other items as well.

• First-aid kit;

• Your usual medication;

• Water and non-perishable food;

• Personal hygiene products;

• A change of clothes;

• Radio, flashlight and whistle;

• Money;

• Family / friends contact list/copy important documents/back-up; USB stick and charger

If you already have one, check it is up to date

Based on ANEPC guidelines.

Action during Rural fires here:

https://www.safecommunitiesportugal.com/…/during-fires/

Safe Communities Portugal is a qualified Civil Protection Volunteer Organisation under Portuguese law