A study reveals that many people with disabilities and seniors in Latvia struggle to access and comprehend local emergency plans, leading to fear and uncertainty during crisis situations.
A recent study presented by the 'Sustento' organization to the Human Rights Commission in the Latvian Saeima highlighted the challenges faced by individuals with disabilities and seniors concerning emergency preparedness in Latvia. The study, which surveyed 1,060 individuals throughout the country, found that many of these vulnerable groups are unaware of or do not understand their local municipalities' civil protection plans. These plans are often lengthy, legal documents that are difficult for anyone, let alone those with special needs, to navigate effectively.
The research points to a significant gap in accessible communication regarding emergency procedures, igniting feelings of fear and confusion among respondents. Many participants expressed uncertainty about where to go in an emergency, who to contact, and the locations of accessible shelters. The situation is exacerbated by the fact that 22% of those surveyed reported not using the Internet, highlighting the shortcomings of digital communication channels like the '112' app and 'Sargs.lv', which are often considered primary resources for emergency information.
Sustento representative Iveta Neimane emphasized that the core issue is the accessibility of information, which remains predominantly in electronic formats that are alien to many potential users. This underscores the urgent need for municipalities to provide clear, straightforward, and physical information materials that can guide individuals with disabilities and seniors during crises. The findings call for immediate attention from local authorities to ensure that all citizens have equal access to critical information in times of need.
