112 Canarias expands emergency accessibility for deaf citizens

The Canary Islands Emergency and Security Coordination Center (Cecoes) 112 has expanded its self-protection content to improve accessibility for deaf and hard-of-hearing individuals. In collaboration with the Federation of Associations of Deaf People of the Canary Islands (Fasican), the service has increased the number of available audiovisual guidance videos from seven to twelve.

The new materials utilize Spanish Sign Language (LSE) and feature updated imagery to facilitate the understanding of preventive information. The content covers various risk scenarios relevant to the region, including adverse meteorological phenomena, forest fires, volcanic activity, and flooding. Specific guidance is provided for managing high winds, coastal phenomena, heavy rains, storms, heatwaves, and dust storms (calima).

Marcos Lorenzo, the Vice-Counselor of Emergencies and Waters for the Government of the Canary Islands, emphasized that accessibility is an essential component of emergency communication rather than an optional addition, noting that clear information can be as vital as operational response during a crisis.