Important campaign to raise awareness among civil defense about the dangers of weather phenomena
The General Directorate of Civil Defense in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, in cooperation with relevant authorities, continues its intensive efforts to implement the "It's Important to Know" program to raise awareness about the dangers of weather phenomena . This national campaign aims to promote a culture of prevention and enhance community preparedness to effectively deal with the climatic fluctuations experienced across the Kingdom, thus ensuring the safety of lives and property.
The climatic context and history of dealing with weather phenomena in the Kingdom
Historically, the Arabian Peninsula has been characterized by a desert climate punctuated by periods of extreme weather fluctuations, such as sudden heavy rainfall that leads to flash floods in valleys and ravines. Over the decades, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia has developed a comprehensive system for managing crises and natural disasters. The “It’s Important to Know” campaign is an extension of a series of awareness initiatives launched by the General Directorate of Civil Defense in response to global and local climate changes. These changes have made it essential to update communication mechanisms with the public and deliver proactive messages warning of potential risks before they occur, relying on the latest monitoring and early warning technologies in cooperation with the National Center for Meteorology.
The strategic impact of raising community awareness
These awareness campaigns are of paramount importance both locally and regionally. Locally, they directly contribute to reducing accidents and injuries resulting from recklessness or a lack of knowledge about how to act during rainfall and flash floods. They also enhance the efficiency of rapid response teams by minimizing reports of incidents caused by negligence. Regionally and internationally, the Saudi model for emergency management and proactive awareness serves as a valuable reference for countries with similar geographical and climatic conditions to the Kingdom, reflecting Saudi Arabia's commitment to implementing the highest international standards in civilian protection and disaster risk management.
Vital safety guidelines during climate fluctuations
In its commitment to the safety of citizens and residents, the General Directorate of Civil Defense stressed the importance of exercising extreme caution. It strongly warned against approaching potential hazards resulting from rainfall, such as flash floods and waterlogged areas. It emphasized the necessity of not attempting to cross valleys or venturing near flood channels, and of completely refraining from swimming in unregulated water accumulations, which pose a deadly risk. The Directorate also issued a special appeal to parents to ensure the safety of their children, to supervise them constantly, and to keep them away from any areas where rainwater may collect, while strictly adhering to all announced safety instructions and guidelines.
Communication and reporting channels in emergency situations
The General Directorate of Civil Defense urged everyone to follow updates and instructions issued through official channels of the relevant authorities and not to be misled by rumors. In case of emergencies or to request assistance, the Directorate has provided toll-free numbers operating around the clock. The unified number (911) can be called in the regions of Makkah, Madinah, Riyadh, and the Eastern Province. For the rest of the Kingdom, please call (998) to ensure rescue teams arrive and provide the necessary support as quickly as possible.
