Portugal has a new digital tool to help citizens follow the European Commission's advice on emergency preparedness. The app, named K72 SMPC Montijo, was developed in Montijo, a municipality near Lisbon, in collaboration with its Municipal Civil Protection Service. Although it originated there, it is designed for use across the country.
The name reflects its purpose: 'K' stands for kit, and '72' refers to the critical 72-hour window after a disaster—such as an earthquake or flood—when individuals may need to rely on their own resources. The European Commission has urged all EU citizens to assemble a kit for this period, and the app aims to make that task more accessible.
Carlos Batista, a documentary filmmaker and drone operator who also coordinates the Local Civil Protection Unit of Montijo and Afonsoeiro, created the app. He explains his motivation: 'The idea came from a desire to create a tool that would not just inform, but push people to take action.' He adds, 'There is a lot of information on how to act in emergency situations, but it is not always easy to turn it into concrete measures in our daily lives. I would like K72 to help people take the first step and realise that preparation starts long before an emergency happens.'
André Morais, coordinator of Montijo's SMPC, emphasizes the practical challenge: 'The challenge is to help each citizen turn what they know into concrete preparedness.' He stresses that the app encourages families to discuss emergency plans, including how to contact each other, where to meet, and who might need assistance.
Building a comprehensive emergency kit
The app provides detailed checklists for different scenarios. For evacuation, it recommends a backpack containing 45 items, ranging from water purification tools like LifeStraw filters and tablets, to portable power stations and a Meshcore communication kit for when mobile networks fail. Users can tick off items they already own and see what remains, with links to online shops for missing products.
Beyond the evacuation kit, the app covers kits for staying at home, for the car, and even for pets. It also includes a family emergency plan template, civil protection alerts, and an inventory system that warns when food or medicines are nearing expiry.
In the event of an actual emergency, the app offers concise instructions for various scenarios, including urban fires, toxic gas leaks, earthquakes, heatwaves, cold snaps, prolonged power outages, and floods. It works offline, as long as the device has battery, and all user data is stored locally on the device for privacy.
The creators hope the app will be adopted nationwide, helping Portuguese residents become more resilient. This initiative aligns with the European Commission's broader strategy, presented in March last year, to harmonize emergency preparedness across member states. The Commission's guidance covers not only natural disasters but also potential military threats, underscoring the importance of individual readiness.
As Europe faces increasing climate-related risks, tools like K72 offer a practical way for citizens to take responsibility for their own safety. The app is a step toward turning awareness into action, one backpack at a time.
