The National Service reform

Twenty years after its birth, the National Civil Protection Service was reformed. Decree-Law No. 59 of May 15, 2012, converted into Law No. 100 of July 12, 2012, amended and supplemented Law No. 225 of 1992, which established the Service. The reform brought civil protection activities back to the original core competencies outlined in Law No. 225. Additionally, the guidance and coordination role of the Civil Protection Department was reaffirmed.

Law No. 100 of 2012 addressed important issues for the entire system: from the classification of disastrous events to civil protection activities, from declaring a state of emergency to the power of ordinance. The law also focused on risk forecasting, prevention, and population rescue activities. Additionally, it specified the concept of overcoming an emergency, including any necessary and unavoidable activity aimed at "fighting the emergency" and "risk mitigation."

Prevention activities were made explicit, and warnings, emergency planning, training, dissemination of civil protection knowledge, information to the public, application of technical regulations, and exercises were discussed in detail. The national warning system for meteo-hydrogeological and hydraulic risks was framed organically, considering various regulations implemented over the years to regulate warning activities for civil protection purposes.

Law No. 100 of 2012 also reaffirmed the mayor's role as the municipal civil protection authority, clarifying his duties in rescue and aid activities for the population.