Sponsors
UDLA, Authorities, and Neighbors Conduct Drill for Fires in Villa La Pradera
Sponsors
The University of Las Américas (UDLA) Viña del Mar Campus, in collaboration with the Emergency and Disaster Management Unit of the Regional Presidential Delegation of Valparaíso and the Villa La Pradera community, held a coordination meeting to plan a wildfire drill. This exercise aims to strengthen community preparedness and emergency response, in a joint effort involving various institutions and the residents of the sector themselves.
The initiative arises as part of the territorial support actions promoted by UDLA following the devastating mega-fire of February 2024. The focus is on developing local capacities and fostering coordination among communities, specialists, and public agencies to improve risk management and disaster prevention.
The meeting included representatives from the National Forestry Corporation (Conaf), the National Disaster Prevention and Response Service (Senapred), Carabineros (Chilean police), the Disaster Risk Management Office of the Viña del Mar Municipality, and María Tapia, president of the Villa La Pradera housing committee, who represents 148 families.
The II Training Session of the Community Space for Disaster Risk Reduction (DRR) Training, held in September by UDLA, brought together more than thirty leaders and representatives from various sectors to work on developing community emergency plans. This process will culminate in the emergency preparedness and simulation session in Villa La Pradera, which will include workshops and a tabletop simulation.
Fabiola Navarro, UDLA's PIC coordinator, highlighted the importance of educating the community and promoting self-protection capabilities, especially regarding fires. Carla Marín, from the Emergency and Disaster Management Office, emphasized the relevance of knowing the Senapred plan to safeguard lives and property.
Major Jimena Oñate, from Carabineros, underscored the productivity of the meeting and the importance of university preparedness in risk management. María Tapia expressed her satisfaction with the initiative, which she considers significant help for the neighbors and a vital lesson for reacting to disasters like the 2024 fire.
Sponsors
