How can evolving threats be addressed in order to build safer tourist cities? Most European cities have not been designed with any knowledge or ability to anticipate the risks and threats that we face today. Solutions are often reactive, rather than proactive, and they therefore only tackle issues after the harm has already been done. This is why a comprehensive analysis and evaluation of local vulnerabilities and necessities is essential. When faced with an emergency, local and regional authorities are compelled to provide clarity and direction, in an otherwise uncertain and confusing situation. For this, they require specific tools, knowledge and skills in order to develop a concise crisis communication strategy. Local security and prevention practitioners should thus seek to adopt a more holistic, multi-stakeholder and co-produced approach to the management of public spaces. The fourth Annual Meeting of PACTESUR discussed how cities can remain open and welcoming, whilst ensuring the security of their residents and visitors.
The purpose of the PACTESUR factsheet is to present a toolbox containing practical recommendations for local stakeholders on crisis management in public spaces (terrorist attacks, crowd management, public demonstrations etc.). Each factsheet will provide guidelines and recommendations on key topics: Capacity-building, Communication, Cooperation and Social & Technological Innovation. They will be illustrated using concrete examples from European experiences, promoting understanding, cooperation and exchange between cities. As part of the Annual Meeting, several working sessions were organised to improve the project’s results and deliverables.
A coordinated emergency response against peri-urban fire and a search & rescue operation
The local police of Xàbia organised two simulation exercises, an excellent example of a well-planned and smooth cooperation between fire brigades, local police, gendarmerie, ambulance services and municipalities when an emergency occurs.
Credits to the Consorcio Provincial de Bomberos de Alicante
