Category: Uncategorized

 

1. SITUATION

Meteorological situation:

Following the contact with the Portuguese Institute of the Sea and Atmosphere (IPMA), held today at the National Civil Protection Authority (ANPC) National Relief Operations Command centre (CNOS), and according to the available meteorological information, for the next 24 hours, a worsening of the meteorological conditions in expected, emphasizing:

• Periods of rain, which can be locally strong (between 10 and 20 mm in an hour), gradually passing from north to south from the morning, with downpours that may be locally intense, occasionally accompanied by hail and thunderstorms, less frequent from the late afternoon;
• Possibility of snowfall above 1,500 meters of altitude, gradually descending to 800/1000 meters in the North and Centre regions;
• Moderate southwest wind, blowing strong (up to 45 km/h) and bursts up to 70 km/h, turning northwest from the morning. In the highlands, strong southwest wind, sometimes with gusts up to 90 km / h, running northwest from the morning;
• Rough seas on the west coast (with northwest waves 4-5 meters), a situation that will remain during the weekend;
• Decrease in temperature, being in particular minimum temperatures in the North and Centre regions.

Follow the weather forecasts on www.ipma.pt

 

2. EXPECTED AFFECTS

In view of the situation described above, the following effects may occur:

• Slippery road surface and possible formation of water and ice patches;
• Possibility of rapid flooding in urban areas, due to the accumulation of rainwater or insufficient drainage systems;
• Possibility of flooding by transhipment of water lines in historically more vulnerable areas;
• Floods of underground urban structures with drainage deficiencies;
• Damage to mounted or suspended structures;
• Drainage problems in urban systems, especially those occurring during periods of high tide, and may cause flooding in historically more vulnerable areas;
• Possibility of falling branches or trees due to strong wind;
• Possible coastal shoreline accidents;
• Geomorphological incidents caused by instability of slopes associated with soil saturation, due to loss of consistency.

 

3. PREVENTIVE MEASURES

The ANPC reminds people that the possible impact of these effects can be minimized, especially through the adoption of appropriate behaviours. Therefore, and especially in the most vulnerable areas, it is recommended to observe and disseminate the main self-protection measures for these situations, namely:

– Ensure clearing of rainwater drainage systems and removal of aggregates and other objects that may be dragged or may obstruct the free flow of water;

– To adopt a defensive driving, reducing the speed and taking special care with the possible accumulation of snow and formation of water patches on roadways;

– Do not cross flooded areas, so as to prevent persons or vehicles falling into holes in the pavement or open sewage boxes;

– Carry snow chains on the vehicles, whenever you move in areas affected by snowfall;

– Ensure adequate fixing of loose structures, namely scaffolding, placards and other suspended structures;

– Take special care near or in wooded areas, being aware of the possibility of falling branches and trees, due to a strong winds;

– Take special care in along the coast and riverside areas historically more vulnerable to coastal gullies, avoiding if possible visiting or staying in these places;

– Do not engage in activities related to the sea, namely sport fishing, water sports and walks by the sea, avoiding the parking of vehicles very close to the seafront;

– Be aware of meteorological information and Civil Protection and Security Forces indications.

 

Translated by Safe Communities Portugal

www.safecommunitiesportugal.com

More than 500 people died last year on Portuguese roads, according to data from the National Road Safety Authority (ANSR), which also indicate an increase in road accidents and serious injuries compared to 2016.

According to the figures available on ANSR’s website, 509 people died on the Portuguese roads, 64 more than in 2016 (12.5%).

There were 130,157 accidents on the roads (127,210 in 2016) and 2,181 serious injuries (2,102).

The ANSR data, which refer to mainland Portugal and are still provisional, indicate that of the accidents last year resulted in 41,591 minor injuries, against 39,121 registered in the previous year.

In the last week of the year (between 22 and 31 December) were recorded by the authorities 15 fatalities and 56 serious injuries.

The accumulated data for the year indicate that the district with the most accidents recorded was Lisbon (26,698), followed by Porto (23,606), Braga (10,980), Faro (10,752), Aveiro (10,416) and Setúbal (10,147).

Porto leads in number of fatalities, with 68 registered in 2017, followed by the districts of Setúbal (56), Lisbon (51), Aveiro (44) and Santarém (43).

The district with the most serious injuries registered in 2017 on Portuguese roads was Lisbon (311), followed by Faro (192), Setúbal (189), Santarém (186) and Porto (170).

Today the ANPC is marking the 13th anniversary of Portugal’s emergency support mission to Indonesia as a result of the tsunami that affected that archipelago and many other Indian states on December 26, 2004.

The former National Fire and Civil Protection Service, together with the General Directorate of Health, and the Portuguese Institute for Development Support, formed two support mission teams with the objective of intervening to reduce the risk of epidemics occurring in the country. The region of Banda Aceh in the northern part of Sumatra Island, was one of the most affected by the effects of the natural catastrophe.

The 1st mission team of four doctors, two nurses, two officers logistics ANPC and interpreter, left Portugal on a special flight to January 4, 2015 with 42 tons of drug load and a Field Hospital formed by six modules with different valences (total of 9 tons).

During the support mission in Aceh, the first team focused on 24-hour hospital care and travel to refugee camps to assess the epidemiological situation. About 1200 people were assisted, with predominant respiratory diseases, followed by skin problems, traumas and gastrointestinal problems.

This mission, expected to be completed in early February, ended up extending to the end of the month with a Portuguese team on the ground, given a wider and new strength. Five doctors, four nurses, four logisticians and two psychologists, were in Indonesia until February 23, not only to ensure the functioning of the Emergency Hospital, but also to provide support for psychological trauma, and to ensure rehabilitation of local health structures that were heavily affected by the catastrophe.

In this scope, at the end of the mission, Portugal ceded to the Indonesian authorities all the hospital equipment that constituted the Portuguese support structure.

The Portuguese teams concluded this mission with the recognition of the host country, and the Provincial Government of Aceh sent a thank-you note to the Portuguese authorities for the services provided. The merit of the professionals seconded in this mission was also graced by the Portuguese Government through public praise.

FRAUD – Airbnb has been accused of “making it too easy for scam artists” after it was reported that almost a 1m people may have fallen victim to fraud on the website last year.

As many as 1.1 million bookings were also cancelled at the last minute, often leaving holidaymakers on the streets of an unfamiliar city with nowhere to stay, according to a new analysis of the home sharing business.

The report claims that when things go wrong Airbnb’s customer service is appalling, with more than four in five people who had a bad experience saying the company was unhelpful, rude or failed to refund them properly.

The findings come from a study by a travel blog that analysed more than 1,000 “Airbnb horror stories” to establish what happens when things go wrong, The Times reported on Saturday.

Some of the worst cases included a guest being held hostage and sexually assaulted by a host and another finding a rotting corpse in the garden of a property.

The research found that one in five complainants had a host cancel their stay at the last minute or never turn up. More than a quarter reported unsafe conditions, such as a bug infestation, or the accommodation not being as described.

One in six said they were victim of fraud, such as the host demanding extra cash when they arrived.

Read full report here

The ASAE seized about half a ton of pork during the last holiday season and arrest three people

In supervisory actions, that body detected pig carcasses and roasted piglets that had been slaughtered in “improvised facilities” in “unlicensed” establishments.

“The piglets were intended for a number of customers, some from the catering sector in the Elvas, Terrugem and Pombal areas, and were slaughtered without any sanitary control, in facilities with a lack of hygiene and without drinking water, which severely compromised the safety of foodstuffs food, “ASAE said in a statement on Tuesday.

In the scope of these operations conducted by the centre and southern regional units of ASAE, two criminal cases were opened for clandestine slaughter and about 60 pig carcases were seized, for a total value of 3870 euros. Three people were arrested who were caught in the act.

The National Republican Guard, in addition to its daily operations, carried out a series of operations, throughout the national territory, from December 30 to January 1, aimed at preventing and combating violent crime, road surveillance, among others, with the following operational data:

1. Detentions: 294 detained whist caught in the act as follows:

• 199 for driving under the influence of alcohol;
• 24 for trafficking in narcotics;
• 21 for driving without legal authorization;
• Seven for illegal possession of weapons;
• Six for theft;
• Three for domestic violence;
• One for homicide.

 

2. Seizures of items:

• 827 doses of hashish;
• 11 doses of cocaine;
• Two firearms;
• 124 800 cigarettes;
• 369 euros in cash.

 

3. Transit:

Inspection: 3 464 infractions detected, of which:

• 1 169 for speeding;
• 653 for driving with higher blood alcohol content than allowed by law;
• 161 for lack of mandatory periodic inspection

 

The National Republican Guard (GNR) registered fewer accidents, fatalities and serious injuries in four days of Operation “New Year” than in 2016, Lieutenant Colonel Jorge Amada told Lusa news agency.

Speaking to Lusa, Lieutenant Colonel Jorge Amado said that in four days of the operation, 639 accidents were recorded, 303 fewer than last year, in the GNR area of ​​operation.

“Three fatalities were also recorded, four fewer than in 2016, seven seriously injured, 11 fewer than in 2016 and 256 minor injuries, 21 fewer than last year,” he said.

According to the GNR, of the 5,612 offences registered by the GNR, 700 were for alcohol excess, 1,813 for speeding, 162 for lack of safety belts or restraint systems, 153 for improper use of the mobile phone and 244 for lack of periodic inspection.

The Portuguese Firemen’s League (LBP) announced on Friday that it will propose to the Government the construction of a national memorial honouring firefighters who have died in service, totalling 225 in 37 years.

In a statement, the LBP goes on to say that, in addition to the Government, it will also propose to the Lisbon Municipal Council the construction of the national fire department memorial.

The Fire Brigade also decided to propose to the Government a national ceremony to distinguish all Portuguese firemen for “relevant services provided to the country.” The two proposals were decided at the last meeting of the year of the Portuguese Firemen’s League.

According to the LBP, since 1980, 225 firefighters died in service, 89 of them between 2000 and 2017

 

The Diario de Noticais reported a few days ago that across the whole of Portugal the police (specifically the GNR, responsible for road traffic policing) registered 2,825 speeding offences and 308 for driving under the influence of alcohol during the five days of operation “Tranquilo Natal”.

In a statement, the Republican National Guard said that of the 308 drivers caught with alcohol, 93 had a blood alcohol content equal to or greater than 1.2 grams per litre, which is a criminal offence.

During the operation “Tranquilo Natal”, which took place between December 22 and 26, the GNR military detected 211 instances of using a mobile phone while driving and 196 cases of incorrect or non-use of a seat belt.

Safe Communities has put together the main tips from police and civil protection to keep people safe and prevent crime over the festive period.

Getting there – Leave for destination in plenty of time – security and traffic arrangements in some places where there are major events Lisbon Praça do Comércio and Terreiro do Paço – bag searches etc – no bottles/glass – comply with police directions. Objective to keep people safe and prevent crime. Use public transport where possible.

Crime – Particularly crowded places and late night public transport such as Lisbon trams – look after your personal possessions etc. Do not carry more than is needed. , Check that you have left the vehicle locked and do not leave valuables in view. Take care parking avoid blocking vehicles.

Pedestrian safety – with increased number of vehicles and pedestrians on the streets police remind to take care when using mobile phones when crossing roads – a number of deaths and serious injuries are caused by lack of attention.

Drink driving – police will be very vigilant concerning offences such as use of mobile phones and drink driving. Last year the GNR fined nearly 600 drivers and arrested nearly 200 over the criminal limit for drink driving so be aware. They advise take public transport and not to get in vehicles where the driver is drunk. Beware morning after.

Alcohol – enjoy yourself but pace yourself with drinking water before you go out and during the night as it will reduce the effect of the alcohol on your body. A meal before you go out and snacks between drinks can help slow down the absorption of alcohol,

Security of buisness and places of late night entertainment

• When closing up your business late at night keep a lookout that you are not being watched
• When transporting cash, if the amounts are high, whatever the distance, the cash should be carried by a group of two or three staff members distributed between them.
• Cash transportation times should be varied and routes varied as well.
• Don’t put staff at risk

New Year’s Day

Aware ANPC issued warning high seas along entire coast 4-5 metre waves and their advice is NOT to take the traditional NYD dip. Take care near coastal walkways as winds will be higher thro to 2^nd Jan.