The action aims to improve communication between agencies, in addition to expanding the coverage of the region’s network
A modern communication system with advanced technology was implemented in the area where the Municipal Guard and the Civil Defense of Mariana operate. The initiative allows for increased security in the communication between the agencies’ staff, the expansion of coverage, and closer communication with the community on risks and disasters.
The analog devices used by the agencies were replaced by digitalized equipment. In total, approximately R$ 1.4 million was invested in the acquisition and installation of devices and base radios in the districts of Camargos, Ponte do Gama, Pedras, Borba, Paracatu de Baixo, Paracatu de Cima, and Campinas – the resettlements of Bento Rodrigues and Paracatu de Baixo will also receive base radios when they are completed. The official delivery was on December 15th.
The initiative is part of the digitalization project of the radio network of the Mariana Social Defense Secretariat, conducted by the Renova Foundation’s Environmental Emergency Preparedness Program and the Municipal Office. The Social Defense Secretariat covers the Civil Defense and the Municipal Guard of the municipality.
The project also includes an agreement between the two bodies and the Military Police of Minas Gerais to improve the town’s ostensive security activities.
For the analyst at the Renova Foundation’s Environmental Emergency Preparedness Program, Cristina Moraes, “radio is one of the primary reaction tools in the event of disasters. With an adequate signal, the agencies can reduce the response time. The differential in this process is the community’s effective inclusion in the Civil Defense and protection system. Our main objective is to save lives and prepare the public authorities, especially the communities,” she says.
Training
Another initiative of the Renova Foundation’s Environmental Emergency Preparedness Program is the provision of training in partnership with the University of Southern Santa Catarina (Unisul) for the civil defense officers of Mariana, Barra Longa, Rio Doce, and Santa Cruz do Escalvado.
This Continuing Education program includes university extension, undergraduate and graduate courses, with knowledge in Risk Analysis, Social Response and Prevention, Mitigation, and Community Preparation. Since November 2020, 70 places have been made available for the Risk Analysis extension course. Classes are taking place on Unisul’s virtual learning space.