Thanks for this article. I recently started following Safe Communities Portugal. It dawned on me, while I was listening to the wild wind gusts of Storm Depression Martinho (three big old trees on the Miradouro closest to us blew down and other parks lost trees and large branches as well), that I now live in an area with weather and seismology patterns that I am unfamiliar with. I know how to prepare for blizzards, sub-zero temperatures and even dust storms, but my earthquake preparedness knowledge is non-existent. Actually, I'm not even sure if Lisbon is susceptible to tornados; I would think not, because of building density, but there were some reported last year when we were visiting.
Something we are going to be looking into is a phone/tablet/computer charging device that doesn't rely on an electrical source. I know there are solar devices like that but not sure how well the perform.
Anyway, I appreciate that the EU is coming up with a basic, consistent preparedness plan.
Thanks for your comment. Safe Communities is a valuable resource for us. I read their weather report every day. We, too have experience with blizzards, hurricanes and dust storms, freezing temperatures and extreme heat, but earthquakes are new for us. In the past 6 months, we have experienced two here along the coast of Portugal.
I suspect that tornadoes could happen here but I think the risk is low.
This last storm did so much damage! Someone we know who has lived in Portugal since 1985 said this was the worst storm he has ever seen in Portugal.
I've been looking into a device charger as well but haven't found anything that fits the bill yet. Solar is okay unless you're not where there's sun. If you find something that works, please feel free to share it! -CW
I would rather cast my lot with a country that has a commitment to societal cooperation and (some) income redistribution than the US "winner take all" culture that has taken over with a vengeance. Trump is the tip of the iceberg - he was just the tipping point for all of the hatred, misogyny and greed that has come to the surface full bore.
I'm with you on this. The only evidence you need as to how Americans would react in a true catastrophe is the pervasive "I got mine, you get yours" attitude on display during the COVID era.
Carol, Thank you for these links and resources. It seems like no matter where you travel to or where you are living these days, you always need to be prepared with a plan for managing both natural and political disasters.
Indeed it is a concerning time in human history for so many. Your post is most informative and appropriate considering many of us find ourselves in a place very different from what we are used to or from what we anticipated. Each day we wonder what tomorrow will bring and we worry for friends and neighbors - and sometimes for ourselves. It is, I think, during these challenging times, important to remember to be kind to others, to join with those who share similar concerns, to offer support for causes we believe in and to treasure those times and people we hold dear. Thank you for your thoughts on these issues. It gives me hope that Europe is moving in a direction that demonstrates concern for its citizens. I wish It was like that everywhere. Be well.
Great and timely bonus newsletter Carol. I recently saw a video of how the EU is encouraging all residents to create a 72 hour emergency kit. Glad to hear that you and Paul have a "to go" bag just in case. Politics around the world are bat**** crazy. Mike and I are considering writing letters of apology to heads of state to apologize for us Americans. It is a horrifying and embarrassing time to be a citizen of a country that has so much cruelty and hatred in its heart. Keep doing what you are doing, stay cool, have fun and drink a glass of vinho verde for us.
Thanks for your comment, Mary. You and Mike aren't the ones who should be apologizing. We feel the embarassment, too. I think a lot of Americans living abroad share a similar feeling. Thank you for your words of encouragement. (And I will definitely have a glass of vinho tonight!) - CW
Carol, This was an smart thing to write, and something everyone needs to think about. So many natural (and other) disasters. A TO GO bags with the items you mentioned is necessary in all parts of the world. Thanks for writing. Tricia
Thank you for the clarity. Also I suggest to watch www.fogos.pt for direct fire surveillance. The link you shared looks very solid. Thank you
Thanks for your comment. Yes, www fogos.pt is a great resource as well. Thanks for mentioning it. -CW
Thanks for this article. I recently started following Safe Communities Portugal. It dawned on me, while I was listening to the wild wind gusts of Storm Depression Martinho (three big old trees on the Miradouro closest to us blew down and other parks lost trees and large branches as well), that I now live in an area with weather and seismology patterns that I am unfamiliar with. I know how to prepare for blizzards, sub-zero temperatures and even dust storms, but my earthquake preparedness knowledge is non-existent. Actually, I'm not even sure if Lisbon is susceptible to tornados; I would think not, because of building density, but there were some reported last year when we were visiting.
Something we are going to be looking into is a phone/tablet/computer charging device that doesn't rely on an electrical source. I know there are solar devices like that but not sure how well the perform.
Anyway, I appreciate that the EU is coming up with a basic, consistent preparedness plan.
Thanks for your comment. Safe Communities is a valuable resource for us. I read their weather report every day. We, too have experience with blizzards, hurricanes and dust storms, freezing temperatures and extreme heat, but earthquakes are new for us. In the past 6 months, we have experienced two here along the coast of Portugal.
I suspect that tornadoes could happen here but I think the risk is low.
This last storm did so much damage! Someone we know who has lived in Portugal since 1985 said this was the worst storm he has ever seen in Portugal.
I've been looking into a device charger as well but haven't found anything that fits the bill yet. Solar is okay unless you're not where there's sun. If you find something that works, please feel free to share it! -CW
I would rather cast my lot with a country that has a commitment to societal cooperation and (some) income redistribution than the US "winner take all" culture that has taken over with a vengeance. Trump is the tip of the iceberg - he was just the tipping point for all of the hatred, misogyny and greed that has come to the surface full bore.
I'm with you on this. The only evidence you need as to how Americans would react in a true catastrophe is the pervasive "I got mine, you get yours" attitude on display during the COVID era.
Great article, thanks!
Excellent resource, thanks!
Carol, Thank you for these links and resources. It seems like no matter where you travel to or where you are living these days, you always need to be prepared with a plan for managing both natural and political disasters.
Indeed it is a concerning time in human history for so many. Your post is most informative and appropriate considering many of us find ourselves in a place very different from what we are used to or from what we anticipated. Each day we wonder what tomorrow will bring and we worry for friends and neighbors - and sometimes for ourselves. It is, I think, during these challenging times, important to remember to be kind to others, to join with those who share similar concerns, to offer support for causes we believe in and to treasure those times and people we hold dear. Thank you for your thoughts on these issues. It gives me hope that Europe is moving in a direction that demonstrates concern for its citizens. I wish It was like that everywhere. Be well.
Barb
Great and timely bonus newsletter Carol. I recently saw a video of how the EU is encouraging all residents to create a 72 hour emergency kit. Glad to hear that you and Paul have a "to go" bag just in case. Politics around the world are bat**** crazy. Mike and I are considering writing letters of apology to heads of state to apologize for us Americans. It is a horrifying and embarrassing time to be a citizen of a country that has so much cruelty and hatred in its heart. Keep doing what you are doing, stay cool, have fun and drink a glass of vinho verde for us.
Thanks for your comment, Mary. You and Mike aren't the ones who should be apologizing. We feel the embarassment, too. I think a lot of Americans living abroad share a similar feeling. Thank you for your words of encouragement. (And I will definitely have a glass of vinho tonight!) - CW
Carol, This was an smart thing to write, and something everyone needs to think about. So many natural (and other) disasters. A TO GO bags with the items you mentioned is necessary in all parts of the world. Thanks for writing. Tricia
Thanks for your comment, Tricia. I appreciate your support. It's unfortunate that we have to think like this. Thank goodness there's wine! - CW