The lack of civic preparedness for climate emergencies

The climate crisis is intensifying some emergencies such as floods, heatwaves, or forest fires. However, citizens are not well prepared to face these types of events, according to the preliminary conclusions of the study "Community Resilience to Climatic Risks," conducted by the Red Cross and Z Zurich Foundation. Do you know how to act if a forest fire approaches your home or how to escape from a car being swept away by water? Do you have a plan to reduce the risks associated with these extreme events? Exactly one year ago, in the middle of July, a strong storm flooded a part of Zaragoza, and a woman managed not to be swept away by the water because she climbed onto the roof of her car. This is a survival guide for these types of emergencies. To be better prepared for these emergencies, the Red Cross advises starting by identifying the main threats that can affect oneself or one's family, according to each situation. In the document "Emergency Plans and Basic Response Kit," this humanitarian organization that operates in armed conflicts and natural disasters proposes creating a list of actions to remember in the face of extreme events, for before, during, and after. The guidelines to follow are very different depending on whether there are more vulnerable family members, such as the elderly, babies, or dependents. It is also recommended to have a first aid kit, an emergency kit, or a fire extinguisher at home. In some cases, it may be useful to agree with all household members on a meeting point to seek shelter or the steps to follow in case of evacuation. If you have to quickly leave your home, it is advisable to be clear about the essentials not to forget to take, such as medications or the mobile phone with a charger. One of the main deficiencies identified by the Red Cross is the lack of savings foresight in families to face a sudden financial emergency. Regarding floods, it is essential to stay informed about the weather and alerts issued by Civil Protection teams, which can be yellow, orange, and red, depending on the severity. In coastal areas and in regions with dry riverbeds, it is preferable to avoid driving. Madrid Fire Department official Alfonso Segura emphasizes the importance of distinguishing between pluvial flooding, caused by torrential rains, and fluvial flooding, caused by river overflow. The former is more dangerous "due to its immediacy," while the latter is more predictable. If there is a risk of flooding in the home, it is advisable to unplug appliances and cut off utilities to prevent problems. In the event of a flood affecting our home, Segura advises heading to the highest point in the house. Once there, it is important to have a fully charged mobile phone to alert emergency services, a flashlight, an alternative power source, food, blankets, or warm clothing in case isolation is prolonged. The most important thing is to first ensure the safety of children, the elderly, and pets. Cracks in doors and windows can be sealed to increase safety, if there is time. In a ground-floor house, it should be assessed whether it is feasible to move to a safe place without water or at least without a current. It could be a neighbor's house or a high place. Always avoid contact with stagnant water with eyes, nose, and mouth as it may be contaminated with biological or chemical waste. Also, be cautious of the risk of electrocution and do not attempt to cross water currents to try to save material things like cars. "One cubic meter of water is a ton of weight, but if you add speed, its force increases exponentially, and the danger of being swept away rises," warns Segura. Avoid driving on roads that may be blocked and opt for main roads, although they are not a guarantee either. If water reaches the car, the wheels will lose traction because it "pushes forcefully, and the vehicle becomes a surfboard," according to Segura. The danger is detected when a floating object takes one second to cover a meter, such as the distance between two streetlights or the length of a bench. This is the signal that indicates not to leave the car because there is a risk of being swept away by the current. At that moment, move in the opposite direction of the water: if it comes through the front windshield, it is necessary to exit through the side windows, and if it enters through the driver's door, evacuate through the passenger window. The force of the water will prevent opening the door where the current hits, but do not lower the window closest to the torrent as it shields the passenger. Once outside, climb onto the car roof, the safest place, and alert emergency services. "Historically, villages had a protection zone around them, which were the cultivated fields, but as these disappear, the threat of fire increases," explains forest engineer and director of Medi XXI GSA, Ferrán Dalmau. He recommends considering the risk of forest fires if the house is newly built and having a self-protection plan if the house already existed previously. "You are the owner of the home, but also of the risk to which it is exposed," he warns. It is important to have a safety zone of at least 50 meters around the house. Do not remove all vegetation because it will concentrate more heat, and there will be no shade or moisture, favoring wind speed. However, avoid the proliferation of shrubs and resinous plants. Fire-resistant flora does not exist, although there are plants more resistant to fire and capable of slowing its advance. This strategy is known as pyro-gardening. Dry thatched pergolas, umbrellas, decoration with pallets, synthetic covers, or stacked firewood near the house are not advisable because they are flammable materials. On the other hand, metal shutters or blinds and ceramic tiles provide a good barrier. An irrigation system can be installed in key areas to prevent flames from spreading. If the floor starts to catch fire, generally, you can leave because there will not be too much smoke. If the neighbor's house above is affected, the person can easily leave the house, but if the house where the flames start is below, things get more complicated. The stairwell cannot be used because it will already be filled with smoke. Never use the elevator, where a power outage or a "chimney effect" can occur. In this case, the safest option is to confine oneself. Segura confirms that people who confine themselves have a better chance of survival than those who go outside in these cases. If the fire is detected with enough time, those affected can leave their home by car before problems start. If the fire appears unexpectedly, it is best to prepare the house to serve as a shelter, avoiding flammable materials. Household members can activate irrigation systems, if available, and proceed to confine themselves with doors and windows closed to avoid smoke inhalation. It is important to position oneself opposite and furthest from the flames and alert emergency services. Dense smoke causes dizziness due to carbon monoxide inhalation and can even be lethal. It is also advisable to be in the lowest part of the house since smoke tends to occupy higher places. Therefore, it may be necessary to crawl at ground level until a safe place is found. It is essential to block smoke with obstacles left behind. "For every two closed doors, the chance of survival increases by 70%," explains Segura. It is appropriate to place damp cloths in door cracks and wet windows to reinforce barriers. Numerous cars were charred in the 2017 fires in Portugal, where at least 30 people died. When the fire is incipient and there is not much heat, the car is a safe place. Otherwise, it is prudent to stop the vehicle and find shelter. If all surroundings are unsafe, go to the opposite direction of where the heat is coming from. Do not attempt to escape from the flames uphill where you have to move slowly because fire moves rapidly uphill. The accidents called "extraordinary risks caused by natural phenomena" are covered by insurance that includes the following events: sea surges, atypical cyclonic storms with tornadoes and wind gusts exceeding 120 kilometers per hour, earthquakes, tsunamis, volcanic eruptions, falls of aerolites, and extraordinary floods. Compensation for these losses is managed by the Insurance Compensation Consortium, a public body attached to the Ministry of Economic Affairs, but it is necessary to have your own insurance. A forest fire is not covered by this guarantee. The home has specific home coverage, greater or lesser depending on the agreed policy and the value given to the property. In the event of a mishap in the house, it is important that the policy value is adjusted to the actual value. Enrique García, spokesperson for the Organization of Consumers and Users (OCU), believes it is preferable to have an "all-risk accidental insurance" to cover any type of expense. Likewise, he recommends contracting a "building reconstruction capital insurance" and not one for the land. Another extreme event intensified by the climate crisis is heatwaves. To prevent risks in this case, it is best to have cool places, shade, and available cooling methods, according to the chief physician on duty at the Emergency Medical Service 112, Rafael Caballero. At home, it is advisable to lower the blinds during the day and ventilate at night. Physical exercise should be done in the early hours, and clothing should be loose and comfortable. The head should be covered, and the skin protected with sunscreen and moisturizers. If there is intense sweating, rehydration with water, alkaline lemonades, and commercial electrolytes is essential. Caffeine, alcohol, and sugary drinks are not recommended. The doctor also does not recommend showering in cold water and suggests opting for warm temperatures to avoid sudden contrasts. Before getting into the car, ventilate it, lower the windows, and open the doors to reduce the surface temperature. Mild symptoms include exhaustion, headaches, extreme sweating, fatigue, weakness, cramps, and dizziness. Severe symptoms include brain and central nervous system impairment, which can lead to a coma. Dry skin and seizures are also alarming signs. Heatstroke caused the death of 757 people in Spain between 2003 and 2018, according to data from the National Institute of Statistics. Remove the person from the heat source and cool them down, after notifying emergency services. "It is important to rehydrate them if they are conscious, but do not do so if the person has neurological impairment because this can cause nausea and vomiting," the doctor warns.