In Latvia, it has been reported that seven municipalities did not take advantage of an opportunity to acquire necessary items for crisis situations offered at no cost by the State Fire and Rescue Service (VUGD). Two years ago, VUGD called on local governments to apply for these free resources, which could be funded through European money. The municipalities that did not apply have blamed their inaction on sluggishness from the Civil Protection Commission and previous political leaders.

The article highlights that some municipalities, however, are actively engaging in strengthening civil protection. For instance, the municipality of South Kurzeme has taken initiative as reported in their latest informational publication, which details the establishment of several shelters. The locations of these shelters are accessible through a mobile application called "112 Latvia," which provides citizens with vital information during emergencies.

While some municipalities succeed in improving their civil protection response, the failure of others to take advantage of available resources raises concerns about preparedness for potential crises. The absence of a proactive approach could have implications for public safety and response efficacy in the face of emergencies, emphasizing the need for better communication and action amongst all municipalities.