Tenerife Launches Island-Wide Emergency Preparedness and Self-Protection Plan
The Cabildo of Tenerife has launched the "First Awareness and Self-Protection Plan," a new initiative partnering with the Red Cross to train residents and tourism workers in emergency preparedness for natural disasters.
Preparing for natural disasters is no longer just the job of emergency services; it is now a shared responsibility for everyone. With this in mind, the Cabildo of Tenerife has launched the "First Awareness and Self-Protection Plan." This new strategy aims to better prepare residents for fires, floods, volcanic activity, and extreme weather. The rollout begins on September 17 in Garachico and will eventually expand across the entire island.
As part of the "Tenerife, a safer island" initiative, the local government is partnering with the Red Cross to offer three-hour practical workshops. These sessions will teach residents how to pack emergency kits, create home evacuation plans, set meeting points, and decide when it is safer to evacuate or stay put during an emergency.
Rosa Dávila, President of the Cabildo, emphasized that the success of emergency operations depends on how well-prepared the public is. The training will be tailored to different groups: children and young people aged six to 20 will participate in drills, while professionals will focus on how local and island-wide emergency plans work together during a crisis.
Managing risks on an island with unique geography and high tourism requires a team effort. The plan involves experts from various fields—including psychology, nursing, social work, veterinary medicine, and property management—to ensure that vulnerable people, pets, and property are protected. There is also a specific protocol for the tourism sector, training workers to act as safety guides for visitors during emergencies.
This commitment to self-protection follows regional regulations that encourage a culture of prevention. It builds on the Cabildo’s ongoing work throughout 2026 to protect areas where homes meet forests, where careful planning is essential. Ultimately, the island’s goal is to move away from reactive emergency responses and make safety and prevention a part of daily life in Tenerife.