Laura Scott, Crisis Management Director of the British Red Cross, emphasized that travelers should plan in advance how to leave a hotel, apartment, or other accommodation in case of danger.
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“Have a withdrawal plan ready and be prepared to leave urgently. Fires can spread incredibly fast – sometimes much faster than we can walk, run, or drive. If you are instructed to evacuate, you must leave immediately,” she warned.
According to the expert, one should never try to extinguish a forest fire on their own.
“If you are not trained and do not have the proper equipment, do not try to fight the fire. Do not risk your life. Leave immediately, as delay can be fatal,” said L. Scott.
Residents and tourists awakened by warnings
When traveling to an area with a high risk of fires, it is recommended to have a so-called evacuation bag. However, it is worth preparing it even when the chosen holiday destination is not considered dangerous at the time.
In France, near Bordeaux, tourists were warned about the fire danger early in the morning by text messages. In Crete, due to strong winds rapidly spreading the fire, villages had to be evacuated urgently.
In such situations, there may be almost no time to pack belongings, so it is advised to keep the most important items in one easily accessible place.
What should be in the evacuation bag?
First of all, passports and other important documents should be included, as well as copies of travel insurance. It is useful to have bank cards and cash in the bag.
It is essential not to forget regularly taken medications and personal hygiene items. Those who wear glasses are advised to include a spare pair, and contact lens users should bring extra lenses.
A phone may be necessary during evacuation to receive information and contact relatives, so a charger and an external battery should be taken.
It is also recommended to have drinking water and longer-lasting snacks, such as energy bars.
When traveling with small children, one should take care of diapers, milk formula, spare bottles, and other necessary items.
Although temperatures remain high in Europe, it is recommended to include long-sleeved clothes and comfortable closed shoes, such as sneakers, in the bag.
The most important thing is that the bag is not overloaded and can be grabbed within seconds upon receiving an evacuation order.
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