Civil Defense guidelines upon receiving messages from the early warning platform
The General Directorate of Civil Defense in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia has issued a set of vital and important guidelines that citizens and residents should follow upon receiving warning messages from the early warning platform in emergency situations. These guidelines come as part of the relevant authorities' commitment to enhancing public awareness and ensuring a rapid and safe response to any emergencies that may occur, God forbid. The official Civil Defense account on the X platform published a comprehensive guide outlining the steps to be taken before, during, and after an incident.
The historical and technological development of establishing an early warning platform
was not the early warning platform a spur-of-the-moment decision, but rather the culmination of continuous efforts and a long history of developing the civil defense system. In the past, warnings relied on traditional sirens and announcements through official media outlets. With rapid technological advancements and the Kingdom's Vision 2030, which focuses on digital transformation and protecting lives and property, Saudi Arabia adopted cell broadcasting technology. This advanced technology enables the immediate and geographically targeted delivery of warning messages to mobile phones in specific areas within seconds, reflecting a qualitative leap in crisis and disaster management at the national level.
The importance of early warning platform messages and their regional and international impact
play Early warning systems a pivotal role in enhancing public safety and security. Locally, these systems significantly reduce human and material losses by giving residents ample time to take preventative measures. Regionally, the Saudi experience serves as a model for emergency management in the Middle East, with the Kingdom sharing its expertise with neighboring countries to strengthen joint response efforts. Internationally, this system aligns with the objectives of the UN-adopted Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction, which emphasizes the importance of multi-hazard early warning systems in saving lives and building resilient communities.
Civil Defense guidelines when receiving emergency messages
The Saudi Civil Defense clarified that in the event of receiving warning messages from the National Early Warning Platform, the following instructions must be strictly adhered to in order to ensure safety:
- Remain calm: Avoid panicking and follow official instructions precisely.
- Seek a safe haven: Immediately go to the nearest safe place inside a building or an interior room away from windows, and stay there until the danger has passed.
- Stay indoors: Do not leave the house or building until it is officially announced that the danger has passed.
- Stay away from danger: Stay away from exposed areas and glass, and do not stand on balconies or rooftops.
- Action outside the home: If you are outside, enter the nearest building, or take shelter behind a solid barrier to protect yourself.
- Avoid crowding: Crowding and filming are strictly prohibited, and you must immediately move away from dangerous locations so as not to hinder rescue efforts.
- Driving instructions: When the warning message arrives while you are inside the vehicle, pull over safely to the side of the road away from bridges and tall buildings.
- Emergency numbers: If you notice any danger, call the emergency number (911) in the regions of Makkah, Madinah, Riyadh and the Eastern Province, or the number (998) in the rest of the regions of the Kingdom.
- Obtain information from its sources: Take instructions and updates issued by the competent authorities only through official channels.
