New K72 app helps Portuguese prepare 72-hour emergency kits for disasters

A new mobile application called K72 SMPC Montijo has been developed in Portugal to help citizens prepare emergency kits for 72-hour periods in case of natural disasters or other emergencies. The app was created in collaboration with the Municipal Civil Protection Service of Montijo, which falls under the Local Civil Protection Unit of Montijo and Afonsoeiro.

The creators of the app, including filmmaker Carlos Batista and civil protection coordinator André Morais, aim to not only inform people about emergency preparedness but also encourage them to take action. They emphasize that preparation should start well before an emergency occurs, including discussing the plan with family members and knowing how to contact each other in case of disruption to daily routines.

K72 SMPC Montijo guides users in assembling a backpack with essential items needed during emergencies, including those for home safety, car evacuation, and pets. Users can mark the items they already have and those that are still needed, using the app to keep track of their supplies. The app provides a list of 45 recommended items, such as water filters, food, fire tools, personal hygiene products, medication, and navigation aids.

The app also teaches users how to create a family emergency plan and serves as a platform for receiving Civil Protection alerts. It includes an inventory feature to warn when items in the backpacks are close to expiring. K72 SMPC Montijo functions without internet access as long as the device has battery power and stores user data only on the mobile device, with no sharing of information.

The app is designed to be used nationwide and aims to help Portuguese citizens be better prepared for emergencies, whether they are natural disasters or man-made events. It follows the European Commission's recommendations for harmonizing emergency strategies across member states and urges all citizens in Europe to assemble a 72-hour emergency kit.