The masks, made of polyester, do not help to avoid inhalation of fumes.
Two officers from the Castelo Branco district said that the mask heats a lot and it smells like glue. They also complained about the reflective vests, also made of polyester.
Foxtrot Aventura, based in Fafe, Braga, manufacturer of the masks from whom civil protection authorities bought 15,000 'kits' and 70,000 masks in June 2018 said that it considered this was merchandising and that the authorities did not mention that the equipment would be used in scenarios involving fire.
Civil protection concluded the equipment is not intended to provide increased protection in the event of fire response.
The "Safe Village - Safe People" programme aims to encourage collective awareness that protection is a responsibility of all, and to support local authorities in promoting safety, and implement strategies to protect areas from rural fires and raise awareness of practices that minimize the risk of fire.
What a terrible waste of money on masks and vests that are not safe, and which, being made from polyester, add to the insane amount of plastic in the world! A major fail on both counts!
By Steve Andrews from Other on 26 Jul 2019, 15:02
These masks/scarf were never intended as far as I am aware to be used as a fire protection item. This was issued as part of of a number of items including leaflets for promotional purposes of the Safe village Safe People program. People were not given advise I believe on wearing these during fires.
By David Thomas from Algarve on 26 Jul 2019, 20:01