CECOES 112 Enhances Emergency Preparedness for the Deaf Community in Tenerife
The Emergency and Security Coordination Centre (CECOES) 112 in Santa Cruz de Tenerife has expanded its accessible self-protection resources for the deaf community. This initiative, developed in collaboration with the Federation of Associations of Deaf People in the Canary Islands, introduces new audiovisual content in Spanish Sign Language.
The number of available video tips has increased from seven to twelve. These updated resources aim to improve access to preventative information and self-protection measures. New videos address various risk scenarios pertinent to the Canary Islands, integrated into the key Civil Protection Plans for the region.
The content covers advice related to specific emergency plans, including those for adverse meteorological phenomena, forest fires, volcanic risks, and flooding. The new videos provide practical recommendations for handling situations involving strong winds, coastal phenomena, heavy rain, storms, extreme temperatures, and dust.
Marcos Lorenzo, the Government of the Canary Islands’ Deputy Minister of Emergencies and Water, emphasised the vital role of accessible information during emergencies. He stated, “Information can be as important as the operational response itself, so it must be clear and understandable for everyone.” Lorenzo highlighted that accessibility should not be an added feature but an essential aspect of emergency communication.
In addition to the sign language videos, CECOES 112 is incorporating subtitles into their social media clips, making public service information more reachable for individuals with hearing impairments. This approach aligns with the European Union’s commitment to enhancing accessibility in communication.
Lorenzo noted, “Through our collaboration with FASICAN, we are taking another step towards ensuring that deaf individuals have useful information to anticipate risks and know how to react in emergencies.” He reiterated that the aim is to ensure everyone receives critical information, regardless of how it is communicated.
