As temperatures soar, municipalities across eastern Sicily are activating emergency measures to protect residents. Syracuse has established “climate shelters” across the city, including a newly opened facility in Cassibile operated by the Civil Protection Department at Via delle Margherite 2. These shelters, staffed by municipal police, will operate daily from 11:00 AM to 6:00 PM during peak heat hours. Additional locations include the Urban Center, the Senior Center at Via Foti 38, the Acradina district office, and the Belvedere district office. An ambulance will also be stationed in Ortigia’s Piazza Archimede.
In Riposto (Catania province), the city council and the local Italian Red Cross committee have set up an assistance point in the central Piazza del Commercio. This facility, active daily from 9:00 AM to 1:30 PM starting today until Sunday, July 27th, aims to provide relief, health monitoring, and support, particularly for vulnerable populations. The council stated the initiative addresses “the serious public health risk posed by high temperatures.”
Meanwhile, in Acireale (Catania), Mayor Roberto Barbagallo has ordered the Municipal Operations Centre (COC) to remain active to manage the intense heatwave and the heightened fire risk forecast by the regional Civil Protection Department. Volunteers from Arcicaccia, the Red Cross, and Misericordia will provide support throughout the municipality until the alert level subsides.