These days, it is the role of the Civil Protection in the management of the Covid 19 emergency and of the measures to contain the spread of the virus is decisive. We learned about the head of the Department of Civil Protection, Angelo Borelli. It is he who "enters our homes", every day around 18.00, to provide us with data collected on the emergency Coronavirus. A fixed appointment that marks the monotonous days of Italians.
The voluntary component
Within the Civil Protection system a fundamental role is played by volunteers. Thousands of men and women daily employed in the most diverse activities. From health aspects (especially Italian Red Cross e Mercies) the delivery of drugs and basic necessities to elderly and frail people. From assembly it tends to the creation of real hospitals (the case of the volunteers of the National Alpine Association). It is good to remember that all voluntary and voluntary actions are coordinated by the Civil Protection authorities, at national, regional and municipal level.
The competence and responsibility for all civil protection emergencies lie with the Presidency of the Council of Ministers, the regional Governors and the mayors. Therefore, in order to operate, volunteering must necessarily be activated and act under the coordination of one of the levels mentioned above.
What does the Civil Protection system deal with and how is it organized
It is a system that, among many difficulties, is now well functioning in Italy and that we have come to know in the course of dramatic events. Earthquakes, floods, forest fires and other natural disasters. The activities that the Civil Protection deals with are many, but duly identified by the relevant legislation. They are mainly summarized in emergency prevention and management of risks associated with natural disasters. Chemical and nuclear risk, environmental and sanitation risk (as in the case of the emergency in progress), civil defense activities.
Activities related to events of significant local impact, support activities for the preparation of emergency plans. Finally, reception, assistance and support activities for the phenomenon of immigration. The voluntary component of civil protection can be divided into two broad categories: that of associations and that of municipal groups. All non-profit-making associations can join the PC system. This is the case of the Alpine Association or the National Carabinieri Association, for example. Volunteer organizations set up with very specific purposes which, in situations of need and emergency, can be activated by the competent authority to carry out PC activities. For the rest of the time, these associations have their own life and purpose.
Civil protection at the municipal level
The case of the Municipal Groups is different. In fact, in the reference area, each Municipality is responsible for the activities to be implemented in the event of a disaster. Like? By activating a structure named Municipal Operations Center (COC), composed of directors and employees. When the situation requires it, when the need for further collaboration in the management of the emergency emerges, the COC activates the Civil Protection volunteering. A great reality, therefore, which, in spite of ourselves, we are learning to know and appreciate even more in these days. An open reality, within which - each of us - can do their part.
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