SENAPRED Coquimbo Regional Director, Angelo Hernandez Díaz, in response to the warning issued by the Chilean Meteorological Directorate, which predicts high temperatures in the foothills and foothill areas of the Coquimbo region on Friday, January 10 and Saturday, January 11, presents a series of key recommendations for fire prevention Forests and protecting population health.
Forest fire prevention
According to data from the National Forestry Council, 99.6% of forest fires in Chile are caused by human action, either intentionally or negligently. Therefore, prevention and collective responsibility are essential to avoid tragedies. Citizen cooperation is essential for prevention and rapid response. If you notice smoke or fire in vegetated areas, it is necessary to notify telephone numbers 130 (CONAF), 132 (Firefighters) and 133 (Carabineros). You can also use the phone line *4242 (Insurance Report) if you witness or have information about any suspicious behavior related to a fire.
Preventive measures
- Keep the surroundings clean: Make sure to keep the roofs and areas around homes free of dry plants.
- Avoid campfires: Do not start campfires in unauthorized areas.
- Avoid sparks: Do not engage in activities that generate sparks on hot days.
- Follow regulations: Adhere to local regulations regarding controlled burning.
If SAE is activated
If the SAE system is activated, it is recommended to remain calm and follow the instructions in the message sent to the mobile phone. If an evacuation is requested, it must be carried out immediately. It is suggested that you have an emergency kit or backpack that contains water, non-perishable foods, and important documents. Do not return to the fire affected area until indicated that it is safe to do so.
is used: The Emergency Alert (SAE) system for mobile phones allows you to send information to all phones bearing the seal of compatibility. This message is issued so that residents can evacuate areas that could be affected by the activation of a hazard, whether a tsunami, forest fires, volcanic eruptions, landslides, etc.
Recommendations for extreme/extreme heat
Extreme heat can affect people’s health and also exacerbate conditions that help wildfires spread by drying out vegetation and reducing soil moisture. To prevent fires in extreme heat conditions, it is recommended to avoid using fire and tools that can generate sparks near plants.
If you have pets, always have water sources to hydrate them, do not leave them in the car (even if the windows are open), walk them in the morning or evening and take care of overheating in the house. By making sure they are in a cool place.
Health recommendations
- Hydration: Drink water frequently, even before you feel thirsty.
- Protect yourself from the sun: Wear light, loose-fitting, light-colored clothing, a hat, hat, and sunglasses with UV protection.
- Avoid the sun: Do not engage in intense physical activities outdoors, especially between 11:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m.
- Stay cool: Stay in cool, well-ventilated places, or in an air-conditioned place.
- Protect yourself in the car: Ventilate the car before getting in, and never leave people or pets inside a closed car.
- Protect your skin: Apply sunscreen (SPF 50+) every two hours or after showering and/or sweating.
- Be alert for warning signs: Seek medical attention if you have a temperature higher than 39°C, nausea or vomiting, dizziness or fainting, dry mouth, excessive sweating, stomach pain or headache.
“The safety and well-being of our communities is our top priority. We thank citizens for their cooperation and responsibility in implementing these preventive measures,” says the Regional Director.
Finally, the Regional Director of SENAPRED Coquimbo points out that the early warning for heat – high temperatures is in effect at the national level until March 31, 2025.
