The initiative, developed in conjunction with the Red Cross, seeks to foster a culture of prevention and enhance citizen response to natural risks such as earthquakes, volcanoes, floods, wind, extreme temperatures, and coastal phenomena. The president of the Cabildo, Rosa Dávila, highlighted that the program is unprecedented in Spain.
A key component of the training will focus on preparing an emergency kit or backpack. The Red Cross will use practical and playful resources to teach families which items are essential, such as water, underwear, a blanket, masks, and a mobile charger, and which are complementary, adapting to each household's specific needs, including particular medications or a security item for children.
A game inspired by Tetris will be used to help families decide which objects to include in a limited-capacity backpack, prioritizing the essential. The awareness material will also emphasize knowing evacuation routes, following official instructions, closing doors and windows if staying home, and consulting reliable sources like 112, the Cabildo itself, Civil Protection, and local councils, verifying information.
Garachico and Guía de Isora will be the first municipalities to receive the training, both having prepared evacuation plans and being linked to volcanic eruption drills. A drill was conducted in Garachico last year, revealing a robust civil protection system but with room for improvement in coordination. Another drill is scheduled for October 22nd in Guía de Isora, involving over 1,500 participants.
The program aims to reach approximately one million inhabitants and the tourist population. To achieve this, collaborations are underway with Tenerife Tourism and the hotel sector for protocols and an application to identify available relocation spots and inform hotel security managers. Actions will also be directed at professional associations and the Insurance Compensation Consortium to facilitate the recovery of homes and businesses after an emergency.
