The purpose of the meeting was to exchange ideas for further enhancing communications between the ANPC and the international community (both residents and visitors to Portugal) during major emergencies – such as floods or forest fires. They also discussed logistical support to the ANPC during major incidents.
The SCP also offered all assistance, within its means, to the ANCP prior to and during the Critical Fire Period (known nationally as ‘Phase Charlie’) which commences on 1 July and does not finish until 30 September.
Modes of contact between the ANCP and the SCP during emergencies and major incidents were also discussed so as to enhance the ability of the SCP to receive information from the ANCP and for it to be made available to the international community in a timely and ongoing manner.
SCP has a number of mediums of communication which have been utilised and have continued to be utilised as the events have unfolded – such as the SCP website, radio (KissFM) and through its Facebook page which generated, during a 48-hour period, over a quarter of a million views. It was agreed that this continues to be a most useful way of helping during emergencies.
The SCP briefed the ANPC that over Sunday and Monday, it had also dealt with a number of email enquiries, both locally and internationally, regarding possible missing relatives which were referred to the various national and consular authorities concerned. A number of international press enquiries, were also dealt with.
SCP stated it was one of a number of NGOs providing important support to government agencies prior to and during times of national emergencies. SCP offered condolences to the families and friends of those killed in the fires, including the fire fighter and complimented the work and bravery of all operatives participating in these very complex and hazardous operations.