Law No. 28/03 on the basic law on civil protection

This Law approves the Civil Protection Basic Law, as an activity carried out by the State and citizens with the aim of preventing collective risks inherent in situations of serious accident, catastrophe or disasters, of natural or technological origin and to mitigate or eliminate their effects and help people and their property in danger when those situations occur. Civil protection has the following objectives: a) prevent the occurrence of collective risks resulting from serious accidents, catastrophes, natural or technological disasters; b) mitigate collective risks, as well as limiting their effects, in case the described events occur; c) help and assist people affected or in imminent danger.

Civil protection activities are carried out in the following areas: a) survey, forecast, evaluation and prevention of collective risks of natural or technological origin; b) ongoing analysis of vulnerability to risk situations resulting from human or natural origin; c) inform and educate the population, with a view to raising their awareness, knowledge and instruction in prevention, in terms of self-promotion and collaboration with the authorities; d) planning emergency solutions, aimed at search, rescue, aid and assistance, as well as evacuation, accommodation and supply of populations; e) inventory of resources and means available and those most easily mobilised, at local, provincial and national level; f) study and disseminate appropriate ways of protecting buildings in general, monuments and other cultural assets, essential service facilities, as well as the environment and natural resources.