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Date Published: 06/02/2023

Lorca prepares to implement emergency protocol for snow and icy conditions

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The adverse weather plan will come into play in Lorca on Tuesday February 7

Lorca prepares to implement emergency protocol for snow and icy conditions

With the Region of Murcia on significant alert for snowstorms and freezing weather this week, the Councillor for Emergencies of the Lorca City Council, Isabel Casalduero, has confirmed that the municipality’s protocol against snowfall and cold waves will be activated from Tuesday February 7.

The action plan deals with the adverse weather conditions associated with severe winter storms and at the moment, snow and frost, which can both lead to sheets of ice on the roads, are being forecast to hit Lorca in the coming days.

And while the possibility of such extreme weather is lessening by the hour, Ms Casalduero still feels it’s prudent to activate the protocol “with the aim of preventing and responding to risk situations generated by these adverse weather phenomena”.

The emergency plan has several different stages and the degree to which it’s implemented will depend on the predictions and meteorological models of the coming days, the councillor explained. For the moment, the protocol will focus on promoting the protection of Lorca residents while the experts closely monitor the forecast.

The council has already started salting the roads on Monday February 6 as a precautionary measure and a generator has been installed at the Emergency Service in Coy to guarantee public lighting in the event of a power failure. More salt will be procured in the coming hours and the municipality’s snowplough, mini-excavator and rescue vehicles have all been made ready.

In addition, the Councillor for Emergencies has pointed out that “in order to comply with these objectives, as of Tuesday, February 7, the guards of the Emergency and Civil Protection Service will be reinforced, both professionals and volunteers.”

Energy suppliers have been asked to ensure their generators are up to scratch to guarantee a power supply for the week, particularly in the northern districts of Lorca, where special attention will be paid to the roads, as well as the A-91 motorway, in the section that runs between Puerto Lumbreras and the border with Andalusia.

Lorca City Council has issued the following safety advice for residents:

Ensure homes using stoves and fires are well ventilated to prevent a build-up of carbon monoxide.
Disconnect all electrical appliances when not in use.
Have candles, lanterns, and batteries on hand.
Allow taps to drip slightly to prevent freezing.
The most vulnerable groups, including children, the elderly and the chronically ill, should avoid leaving home during the cold wave.
Open air sports and leisure activities should be avoided, as should hiking and climbing. It’s also not advised to use a bicycle due to poor visibility.
Travel should be avoided unless it is essential and drivers who must go out should do so during daylight and with a passenger, if possible. Check the DGT website before every journey for road and traffic updates.
Before driving, fill up with fuel and carry a radio, snow chains and gloves, a flashlight and warm clothing. It’s also advisable to bring some high-calorie food, water and a charged mobile.
Check the brakes, tyres and antifreeze before travelling and take special care when driving in shady areas or over bridges or viaducts, as there may be surface ice. Drive slowly, avoid overtaking and never pass a snowplough.