The heatwave has hit Aragon, and it seems like it’s here to stay, with temperatures in Zaragoza reaching up to 41 degrees. This has led to an increase in calls to emergency services due to heat strokes. Last summer, 147 deaths were recorded in the community due to the heat. The Ebro Valley, Somontano region, and Zaragoza are currently under an orange heat warning.
To prevent accidents during this heatwave, the Director General of Interior and Emergencies of the Government of Aragon, Miguel Ángel Clavero, has offered some tips. He urges citizens to be cautious, use common sense, and prioritize self-protection, especially vulnerable groups like the elderly and children.
Clavero emphasizes the importance of staying hydrated and avoiding outdoor activities during the day if possible. If one must engage in outdoor activities, it’s best to do so early in the morning or late in the evening. When traveling during peak heat hours, it’s crucial to seek shade and protect sensitive areas like the head.
It’s advised not to leave vulnerable individuals inside parked vehicles as the interior temperatures can endanger their health. With the heightened risk of forest fires due to dry conditions, most of the community is under a red alert. Precautions such as avoiding machinery use outdoors and refraining from starting fires in open areas are essential.
In the event of spotting a forest fire, the first step is to call 112. If attempting to extinguish the fire, it should be done with branches, soil, or water. If unable to control it, one should move away from the smoke and avoid valleys or uphill climbs, as they can be dangerous. Seeking shelter behind a large rock or lying on the ground and covering oneself with soil is recommended if trapped.
When a fire approaches homes, following instructions from firefighting intervention teams and the emergency center 112 is crucial. Authorities have established measures like confinement and evacuation to protect the population during forest fires. In the case of confinement, closing ventilation ducts and staying indoors is vital. Staying informed through media and following instructions from security forces via megaphones is essential. In the event of evacuation, following the guidelines provided by Security Forces to identify safe evacuation routes and ensure an orderly exit from the affected area is important.