The Portuguese Institute for Sea and Atmosphere (IPMA) forecasts that Portugal will be hit by a heatwave starting this Friday and continuing over the coming days, with temperatures expected to reach or even exceed 40°C in some districts.
In light of this temperature increase, four municipalities in the Centro and Algarve regions are on maximum fire risk alert this Friday, a situation that is likely to continue and possibly spread to other regions in the coming days.
Following this alert, the government released a set of guidelines on social media for the public to follow if they encounter a fire.
The government advises that if you are near a fire, you should immediately call 112.
Next, “if you are not in danger and are wearing appropriate clothing (long sleeves, boots, and gloves), try to extinguish it with shovels, hoes, or branches.” However, be careful not to hinder the actions of firefighters and other emergency services. “Follow the instructions given,” the government requests.
Additionally, you should remove vehicles from access routes to the fires and, if you notice individuals exhibiting risky behaviors, inform the authorities.
If the fire is near your home, “alert your neighbors, turn off the gas, and thoroughly wet the walls (the roof and 10 meters around the house),” as well as the shrubs surrounding the property.
Close doors, windows, and other openings, draw shutters or blinds, and remove furniture, tarps, or firewood near the house.
If safe to do so, disconnect and move gas cylinders to a secure location. Keep flammable items away from windows and place wet towels in cracks.
If not in danger, the government emphasizes, “extinguish small fires with water, earth, or green branches.”
What to do if you are surrounded by fire?
If you are surrounded by a fire, head to a shelter or collective refuge. If not nearby, seek a flat area with water or sparse vegetation.
“Stay low to the ground, trying to breathe through a damp cloth to avoid inhaling smoke,” the government explains, adding that you should cover your head and body.
Use a wet cloth to protect your face from heat and smoke.
How to prepare for an evacuation?
In this situation, keep important family documents, as well as pet health records, in a safe and easily accessible place so they can be quickly transported in case of evacuation.
Lastly, prepare a kit with essential items to use in an emergency: a first aid kit, usual medication, non-perishable food and water, personal hygiene products, a change of clothes, a radio, flashlight, whistle, and a list of family and friends’ contact numbers.
DGS’s advice for dealing with the heatwave
In response to the heatwave, the Directorate-General of Health (DGS) offered some additional tips for consideration in the coming days.
Along with advising the consumption of water and the avoidance of alcohol, they recommend staying in cool or air-conditioned environments. People should avoid direct sun exposure, especially between 11:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m., and use sunscreen with a factor of 30 or higher, reapplying it every two hours and after swimming at the beach or pool.
See the complete recommendations here.
