A new emergency simulation in Catalonia
The Government of Catalonia has announced a drill activity that will involve 14 municipalities in the region of Tarragona and Terres de l’Ebre. This test, scheduled for May 29 at 4pm, seeks to prepare the population for chemical emergency situations.
Activation of Mobile Sirens and Alerts
During the exercise, 55 sirens will be activated, including 52 corresponding to the External Emergency Plan of the chemical sector of Tarragona, as well as three located in the towns of Flix and Tortosa. Residents will receive text messages through the Es-Alert system, one to start the confinement and another to indicate that the exercise has concluded.
The purpose of the drill
The purpose of this initiative is to familiarize citizens with the sounds of sirens and mobile alerts, as well as train them in the self-protection measures that must be followed in the event of a real chemical accident. This is an opportunity to practice confinement, which is the recommended response in these situations.
Areas involved and measures to follow
The municipalities that will participate in the drill include Constantí, Reus, Tarragona and Salou, among others. Residents of these areas are invited to practice confinement measures under the instructions provided. In Flix and Tortosa, although the sirens will sound, the population will not be required to be confined.
What to do during the drill?
Those in the affected areas during the year should look for a refuge immediately inside a building and follow the self -protection guidelines. This includes closing doors and windows, disconnect exterior ventilation and waiting to receive the signal indicating the completion of the exercise.
How do sirens sound?
The sound that will indicate the confinement is an oscillating tone, similar to that of an ambulance, which will be repeated for three minutes. In contrast, the emergency ending signal is acute and constant, with a duration of 30 seconds. Citizens can hear a demonstration of sound through a bond provided.
Pre -awareness campaign
Prior to the test, there was a comprehensive information campaign, including 36 talks for different groups, such as schoolchildren and local industries workers. Informative materials have been distributed to ensure that the population is prepared and informed on how to react to a real emergency.
Near scheduled tests
This will be the second drill activity this year in Catalonia. The first was held on May 21 in other regions. A third test is scheduled for June 4 in areas such as Barcelona and Baix Llobregat, thus continuing with the preparation plan against possible emergencies.
The importance of these tests lies in the capacity of the citizenry to respond effectively to chemical eventualities, and the government insists that preparation is key to ensuring the safety of the population.
