The profound impact of the Dana in October 2024, which caused 230 fatalities, highlighted the need for action in disaster management. Deficiencies in public warnings and a lack of self-protection training were key issues that prompted the Valencian council to establish the 'València + Segura' plan.
This initiative, born from the conclusions of the municipal study commission after the Dana, has already trained approximately 41,000 people. In collaboration with the University of Valencia, the Local Police, and the Fire Department, the plan aims to prepare citizens for various risk scenarios, including floods, inundations, and extreme climate phenomena.
The project includes ten specific objectives, such as teaching how to interpret official alerts and how to structure a "family plan" with action guidelines and an emergency kit. Materials have been adapted for groups like children, the elderly, and individuals with disabilities.
In the educational sphere, over 400 teachers have conveyed protocols to their students. For younger children, a specific children's story on self-protection has been designed. Training is complemented by the Local Police's presence in schools, senior centers, Popular Universities, and disability associations.
Public awareness has also been raised through nearly 200 information tents distributed across neighborhoods, particularly in the southern areas affected by the flood, where volunteers and instructors have provided advice.
The 'València + Segura' model will extend to the metropolitan area thanks to an agreement with the Xirivella City Council, enabling the replication of prevention and self-protection workshops in this neighboring municipality.
The ultimate measure of the plan's effectiveness will be seen in future emergencies, with the challenge of translating the imparted protocols into effective reactions when a new alert occurs.
