Don't panic... and other things to do in an emergency

The Civil Protection Department has launched a television campaign aimed at educating viewers on avoiding and dealing with accidents.

CPD director Peter Cordina said people are mostly worried about floods, fires and accidents, all of which are being tackled in the programme X'Gara on TVM.

"We want to come across to the people, especially the elderly who sometimes do not know what to do in tricky situations," he said.

Legislation governing the CPD states that apart from providing primary response in the case of emergencies, the department should also educate the public.

"We want to educate people so that they know what to do and avoid panic."

Mr Cordina said most people think that nothing will ever happen to them, and are caught by surprise when it does.

"Accidents do happen but with some more attention in driving, at home and at work, and if we don't take extra risks, many can be avoided."

The programme, produced and presented by Matilde Balzan in collaboration with the CPD, is looking at accidents that have happened in the past few years, showing how they could have been avoided and what response would have been best.

"Together with the Occupational Health and Safety Authority we will show how a good number of deaths and injuries could be avoided."

Mr Cordina said that in the past six years the CPD had developed a coordinated team and reacted efficiently in disasters that struck the island. "We also want to show people our level of preparedness."

Apart from the immediate aid given by the CPD, Malta has an agreement with the EU so that in cases when the department cannot cope on its own, help can be sent from other countries.

The CPD recommends that every home has....

A radio with batteries so that in case of electricity cuts people can keep abreast of the news and safety announcements.

A battery-operated torch.

Candles and matches.

A fire blanket and a fire extinguisher, kept in the kitchen.

A first aid box with bandages, sling, saline solution, sticking plasters, gauze, tweezers, scissors and surgical gloves.