The agreement was signed by Deputy Prime Minister and Interior Minister Davor Bozinovic, Environment and Energy Minister Tomislav Coric and Zoran Djurokovic, head of the state-owned Hrvatske Vode water management company. The system is expected to facilitate the process of informing citizens and members of the civil protection system via mobile phones about threats and measures that must be taken to reduce casualties and material damage.
Bozinovic said the positive epidemiological situation had been achieved through the efforts of professionals and citizens' responsible behaviour. We want to send the message that even during the crisis we did not forget to think about what we can expect in the future, he said, adding that for several years now improvements have been made to the civil protection system by investing in emergency services' equipment.
As for the Early Warning and Crisis Management System project, Bozinovic said that it was modern technology for crisis management in the 21st century. The coronavirus pandemic made us aware of how important it is to invest in that system and through it we have raised the process of informing citizens to a higher level, he added.
He added that the system warns citizens that they are in the proximity of a natural disaster, such as a fire, a flood, or an earthquake, that alerts can be sent about any major disaster, such as an epidemic or a terrorist attack, and that information is provided about what is happening and how to follow further instructions, in this case of the Croatian Public Health Institute.
The role of the media continues to be irreplaceable, but it is important that the first information reaches every citizen in order to prevent disasters and unwanted consequences, Bozinovic underscored.
Text: Hina