In a concrete step towards a more prepared and safer Maltese and Gozitan society, the Minister for Home Affairs, Security and Employment Byron Camilleri, announced a national initiative through which every family in Malta and Gozo will receive an emergency manual and a fire blanket.
Investing in family safety: An emergency manual and fire blanket for every home in Malta and Gozo
This initiative places prevention at the core of national safety and reflects the Government’s commitment to investing in Maltese and Gozitan families by providing them with the necessary tools to be more informed, better prepared, and ready to face emergency situations.
In his comments, Minister Camilleri emphasized a shift in mindset in the field of safety, where citizens are at the heart of national policy: “Informed, prepared, and safe citizens. These words capture the aim of what we are announcing today.” He reiterated that the Government believes in prevention: “As the Maltese saying goes, a warned person is half prepared. We are not only informing but also providing the tools for prevention. We believe in prevention because an avoided incident is always better than a resolved one. Today, we are not only making an appeal but also giving every family the tools to be better prepared.”
The Minister explained that in recent months, substantial investments have been made in the safety and emergency sector, covering the 112 service, the Civil Protection Department, the Malta Police Force, the Armed Forces of Malta, and the health service, so that the country is better prepared for any type of emergency.
The emergency manual is a practical guide that includes information on fire prevention, first aid, and how to act in case of emergencies, including natural disasters. At the same time, every family will receive a fire blanket as an essential home safety tool.
To ensure efficient distribution, a nationwide program will be implemented across all localities, where Civil Protection fire engines will be present so that citizens can collect their fire blanket, while fire stations will open at dedicated times for the public.
The project was carried out in collaboration between the Civil Protection Department and other entities, including the Malta Police Force and the health sector. The Government stressed that this collaboration is crucial to strengthening national resilience and the ability to respond promptly and effectively. In the coming weeks, further investments in civil protection will continue to be announced, along with improvements in workers’ conditions.
He concluded by stressing that safety is a shared responsibility between the state and its citizens and urged greater awareness and active participation. “Prevention is crucial for a safer and more prepared Malta,” said the Minister, stressing that informed and engaged citizens are the foundation of a resilient country.
The Director General of the Civil Protection Department Peter Paul Coleiro explained: “The book you are about to receive is designed to be practical, clear, and easy to use. It will help you understand what needs to be done before, during, and after different types of emergencies, so that you can protect yourself, your family, and those around you. It also introduces the concept of an emergency bag, allowing you to keep a light, ready-to-use kit near your door. This can include essential items you may need if you have to leave your home quickly, such as basic medicines, a torch, water, important documents, and anything else your family may require.”
“Civil Protection does not begin in our control room when you call 112 or at our stations. Civil Protection begins in your home, with your decisions and your preparation. Civil Protection starts with you,” concluded Mr Coleiro.
