Vidzeme and Latgale households most active in Latvian fire service’s “My Home – My Safety” contest

Latvia’s State Fire and Rescue Service (VUGD) has reported that households and families from the Vidzeme and Latgale regions showed the greatest activity in its creative and practical tips contest “My Home – My Safety”. The contest ran until 13 October this year. Participants shared everyday experience and methods that help make homes safer and improve preparedness for crisis situations.

The main goal was to encourage residents to be self-reliant in emergencies and to draw attention to the so-called “72-hour” principle, under which families keep emergency supplies. The submitted entries covered a wide range of safety solutions, from a creative check of smoke detectors at home to involving a “safety detective” in building a family’s resilience.

How entries were judged

The jury included specialists from the VUGD Prevention Department. They assessed three criteria: the effectiveness of the solution, its financial affordability for other families, and the originality of the work.

Winners

Latgale:

• 1st place – Daina Žogota from Rēzekne municipality (“Seven things we teach children about safety”);
• 2nd place – Jāzeps Jankovskis from Augšdaugava municipality (“Family safety detective”);
• 3rd place – children of the “Miķelītis” group at a Daugavpils Ķīmijas neighbourhood preschool (“How to protect yourself in a storm”).

Vidzeme:

• 1st place – Marta Skrastiņa from Cēsis (“Three things to observe as autumn arrives”);
• 2nd place – Signe Cīrule from Cēsis municipality (“Tips for using candles at home”);
• 3rd place – Edijs Elziņš from Valka municipality (“Tips for a home with stove heating”).

VUGD will contact the winners shortly to agree on the most convenient way to receive their prizes. The service encourages people to follow its social media accounts to see what solutions the participants shared.