Want to enjoy your time off and stay informed on rainy days? With storms forecast for this All Souls’ Day long weekend, find out how to sign up for Civil Defense alerts so you can enjoy the festivities safely.
The São Paulo Civil Defense alert service was launched in November 2017 through an initiative by Anatel in partnership with Civil Defense and telecommunications carriers.
Although alerts are more frequent in situations where there is a risk of flooding during storms, the service is not limited to this type of phenomenon.
The communication channel is preventive in nature, with the goal of guiding the public to protect themselves and avoid potentially dangerous situations, thereby reducing deaths, damage, and losses.
How do I sign up to receive Civil Defense alerts?
In São Paulo, the agency responsible for communication and official implementation is the State Coordination Office for Protection and Civil Defense (CEDEC/SP). The Emergency Management Center (CGE) of the State Civil Defense issues the alerts.
To sign up for the service, simply send your ZIP code via text message to 40199 and wait for confirmation of your registration. From then on, whenever the Civil Defense identifies a risky situation, it will send an alert directly to your cell phone.
Generally, the text message includes information about the weather event and practical safety recommendations.
How does the service work?
The system links the cell phone number to the registered ZIP code. Therefore, you can monitor a specific region even if you are in another part of the city or state.
In addition, users can register more than one address: the ZIP code for home, work, or other locations of interest.
The agency sends alerts about various weather-related risks associated with rain, such as the danger of landslides, floods, and flash flooding.
In other situations, such as periods of low humidity, the channel also issues alerts with guidance on staying hydrated and avoiding outdoor exercise during the driest and hottest parts of the day.
It is worth noting that the number 40199 is used exclusively for registration and service configuration commands. In emergency situations requiring immediate assistance, the São Paulo state government advises contacting Civil Defense by calling 199 or the Fire Department by calling 193.
