Vila-seca has approved a municipal protocol to act in the face of heatwaves with a phase system linked to the alerts from the Servei Meteorològic de Catalunya and the Centre de Coordinació Operativa de Catalunya. The plan orders the local response to extreme heat episodes and sets public resources to reduce the exposure of the most vulnerable population.
The measure comes with an already defined network of 35 climate shelters, but the city council also plans to extend the opening hours of facilities and add voluntary collaborating establishments. The objective is to increase the availability of spaces with thermal comfort when temperatures rise.
Vila-seca will activate measures according to the intensity and duration of the heat
The municipal protocol establishes different activation phases depending on the intensity and duration of each episode. This response will be coordinated with the meteorological and operational alerts issued by the Servei Meteorològic de Catalunya and the CECAT.
The planning prioritizes the elderly, minors, those with chronic illnesses or disabilities, and the population in situations of social vulnerability. It also includes workers exposed to intense physical activities in hot environments.
Within this system, the municipality consolidates a network of 35 climate shelters spread across parks, gardens, and facilities prepared to offer thermal comfort. The list of spaces includes both green areas and public buildings.
The network includes parks, library, castle, and civic centers
Among the enabled spaces are Parc de l'Albereda de Folc, Parc de les Illes, and Parc del Pinar del Perruquet. The Municipal Public Library and the Castell de Vila-seca are added to this network.
The Civic and Cultural Center of La Pineda and the Civic and Cultural Center of La Plana are also part of the system. The city council will also extend the opening hours of some facilities to guarantee access to air-conditioned spaces during high-temperature days.
Another focus of the protocol is to incorporate a network of voluntary collaborating establishments. These points will offer air conditioning, water, and rest areas to expand the resources available outside municipal facilities.
The municipal swimming pool will be free for those over 75 and under 4 years old
The plan also foresees specific measures for access to thermal relief services. At the municipal pool, entry will be free for those over 75 and those under 4 who are registered residents.
Social services may extend this measure to other vulnerable groups. The protocol thus places the protection of people at greatest risk as one of the central criteria for action during heatwaves.
Free entry to the municipal pool will apply to those over 75 and those under 4 who are registered residents, and social services may extend it to other vulnerable groups.