The Santa Cruz de Tenerife City Council has announced this Friday that it has activated the Municipal Emergency Plan (PEMU) and has suspended all outdoor activities organised by the council, due to the declaration of a wind alert issued by the General Directorate Emergency Department of the Canary Islands, commencing at 00:00 on December 14, 2024.
In relation to the activation of the PEMU, as outlined in the decree signed by the Councillor for Security, Gladis de León, the suspension of activities will be enforced from midnight. Therefore, all outdoor events arranged by the Santa Cruz City Council will be postponed, alongside the closure of municipal outdoor facilities that draw public attendance, including sports centres, municipal swimming pools, sports fields, and any other leisure and recreation venues.
The City Council has expounded in a statement that this situation will persist while the wind alert issued by the Government of the Canary Islands remains effective. Hence, it is advisable to heed recommendations pertinent to this type of risk, which generally suggest avoiding unnecessary travel and staying attentive to guidance from authorities, in addition to remaining informed via official sources and the media.
Residents are urged to secure doors, windows, and awnings to prevent drafts that might lead to shattering and falling glass. Furthermore, it is advisable to remove pots and any items that could tumble onto the street and pose an accident risk from windows, balconies, and roofs.
Moreover, it is essential to inspect homes to ensure there are no cornices, balconies, or facades in disrepair that might result in falling debris.
According to the alert declared by the General Directorate of Emergencies of the Government of the Canary Islands, a general wind is anticipated from the south and moderate southeast with strong intervals along the coast and severe conditions in the midlands, elevated areas, and summits.
Very strong gusts could reach or exceed speeds of 80-90 km/h, and in some locations, may even reach 100 km/h on the northern and western slopes, as well as in the high elevations and summits of the islands under alert.
The City Council urges citizens to act prudently and minimise any risks to their safety.
