Orihuela launches campaign to strengthen civil protection volunteering

The Town Hall of Orihuela, through the Department of Emergencies and Civil Protection, has launched a new recruitment campaign to reinforce the Local Civil Protection Association, one of the oldest in the region and a vital resource for emergency situations and preventive services held throughout the year in the municipality.

The Councillor for Emergencies and Civil Protection, Víctor Valverde, presented the campaign alongside the head of the Local Civil Protection Association, Abderraman Arch, and the deputy head, Antonio Vicente. They encouraged the neighbours of Orihuela to discover the work carried out by Civil Protection and consider joining the association.

Valverde emphasised that Civil Protection has always relied on significant participation from volunteers in Orihuela, who form a fundamental part of responding to emergencies as well as routine services carried out across the year. The campaign responds to the need to renew and expand the number of active participants after updating the existing list due to changes in personal and professional availability over time.

Currently, the Local Association has around a dozen especially active volunteers, a figure the department aims to increase to ensure sufficient trained personnel are prepared for any potential situation. The campaign remains open until 15th October, and any interested person can submit an application through the electronic office of the Town Hall of Orihuela.

The call is open to diverse profiles, allowing young people aged between 16 and 18 to participate with parental or guardian authorisation, while those aged 18 and over can join directly if they meet the required conditions. The department noted that a single profile is not sought, as emergencies encompass many fields and healthcare, technological, or general backgrounds are all useful alongside a willingness to learn and help.

Applicants will complete an interview and a psychotechnical assessment before entering a training and probationary phase. Furthermore, the association will host an open awareness day on Saturday 3rd October from 9:00 am to 2:00 pm at La Glorieta in Orihuela, featuring vehicle displays, equipment demonstrations, and communication systems to provide information directly to citizens.

Civil Protection regularly participates in preventative support during events with high public attendance, such as the Reconquest and Moors and Christians festivals, Holy Week, sporting events, neighbourhood celebrations, and cultural gatherings. These duties extend to heatwaves, fire risks, heavy rainfall episodes, and adverse weather conditions.