Tag: emergency response

Introducing the ProSafeNet Volunteering Center – a dedicated space that connects volunteers, professionals, and organizations united by one mission: strengthening community safety, preparedness, and resilience.

Introducing the ProSafeNet Volunteering Center – a dedicated space that connects volunteers, professionals, and organizations united by one mission: strengthening community safety, preparedness, and resilience. The Volunteering Center (soon) is designed for individuals and institutions working and contributing in the fields of safety, security, risk management, emergency response, civil protection, disaster management, resilience building, and humanitarian support. Through the ProSafeNet platform, users can: • Explore volunteer opportunities, internships, and engagement programs locally, regionally, and globally • Filter opportunities based on location, sector, or available time in order to find the most suitable match • Document their volunteer contributions and build a verified professional profile • Earn certificates and recognition for their efforts and service • Strengthen skills, expand networks, and contribute to real-world community-safety and emergency-preparedness initiatives Organizations and institutions can: • Post volunteer positions and opportunities • Reach motivated individuals who want to contribute to safety, security, risk reduction, and emergency preparedness • Build partnerships and support community-based resilience efforts • Promote training programs, emergency exercises, public-safety campaigns, and humanitarian initiatives The ProSafeNet Volunteering Center empowers individuals to make an impact, supports organizations in finding committed contributors, and builds a culture of service and resilience across communities. Connect. Engage. Leave a mark. Learn more at www.prosafenet.com The Volunteering Center (soon) is designed for individuals and institutions working and contributing in the fields of safety, security, risk management, emergency response, civil protection, disaster management, resilience building, and humanitarian support. Through the ProSafeNet platform, users can: • Explore volunteer opportunities, internships, and engagement programs locally, regionally, and globally • Filter opportunities based on location, sector, or available time in order to find the most suitable match • Document their volunteer contributions and build a verified professional profile • Earn certificates and recognition for their efforts and service • Strengthen skills, expand […]

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Critical Infrastructure Protection (presentation) – Prof. Dr. Vladimir M. Cvetković

This presentation offers a comprehensive overview of Critical Infrastructure Protection (CIP), a key area in ensuring the safety, functionality, and resilience of essential societal systems. It explores what critical infrastructure is, why it matters, and how various sectors such as energy, water, transport, digital networks, healthcare, and finance are identified and protected across different national contexts. Through a detailed academic perspective, the presentation examines the main threats these systems face, including natural hazards and disasters, terrorism, cyberattacks, and system failures. It also addresses the growing interdependence of infrastructure sectors, the importance of public-private cooperation, and the role of international and national policy frameworks, including the EU Directive 2022/2557 and the U.S. Presidential Policy Directive 21. The content is intended for students, researchers, policymakers, and professionals in the fields of disaster risk management, emergency preparedness, and security studies. The presentation is delivered by Prof. Dr. Vladimir M. Cvetković, a leading expert in disaster risk and resilience, affiliated with the Faculty of Security Studies, University of Belgrade, and Montanuniversität Leoben in Austria.  https://youtu.be/EeDam6g_yyQ?si=p0jCx9j0G_tfIJvI

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Special Issue on “The Role of Healthcare in Public Health Risk and Disaster Management: Strategies for Mitigation and Response” for the journal Healthcare (2023 IF: 2.4):

Dear colleagues, I am editing a Special Issue on “The Role of Healthcare in Public Health Risk and Disaster Management: Strategies for Mitigation and Response” for the journal Healthcare (2023 IF: 2.4): https://www.mdpi.com/journal/healthcare/special_issues/KYB7N8C8EL We would like to invite you to submit either a review or a research paper with a 50% discount to the Special Issue based on your expertise in the research area. If you are interested, we ask that you send a short abstract and tentative title to us (including the Corresponding Editor, Ms. Shirley Li <shirley.li@mdpi.com> in cc:). The ultimate deadline for submission is 31 December 2025. The instructions ​for preparing and submitting the paper can be accessed at http://www.mdpi.com/journal/healthcare/instructions. Healthcare is a ​​peer-reviewed ​​open-access journal that was launched in 2013. It is supported by an international editorial board consisting of a distinguished team of healthcare researchers from major institutes around the world. Healthcare is indexed in SCIE, SSCI, PubMed, and Scopus. http://www.mdpi.com/journal/healthcare We appreciate your consideration and sincerely hope you will accept our invitation to contribute to this Special Issue. We look forward to hearing from you soon. ​Prof. Dr. Vladimir M. Cvetković https://www.mdpi.com/journal/healthcare/special_issues/KYB7N8C8EL  

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Guest Appearance – Euronews Serbia in North Macedonia: Investigation into the Fire in Kočani is Still Ongoing, Numerous Irregularities Being Determined)

Guest Appearance – Euronews Serbia in North Macedonia: Investigation into the Fire in Kočani is Still Ongoing, Numerous Irregularities Being Determined) Cvetković: The Tragedy Reveals Numerous Human, Technical, and Organizational Failures Commenting on the accident in a nightclub in North Macedonia, Professor Vladimir Cvetković, Director of the International Institute for Disaster Research, stated that this tragedy highlights numerous human, technical, and organizational failures, which cannot be attributed solely to the responsibility of the venue owner. “Responsibility does not rest solely on individuals but also on society as a whole when it comes to safety issues. In this particular case, the venue did not meet basic safety standards,” said Cvetković. He emphasized that the nightclub lacked adequate technical safety measures, such as a hydrant network, automatic fire detection, and suppression systems. He pointed out that a key failure was that inspectors did not conduct timely inspections of venues in North Macedonia, and the responsibility, in a hierarchical sense, extends to the Minister of Internal Affairs, who, in his view, did not take a sufficiently serious approach to improving the safety of public venues. “Very often, people themselves cause these types of fires, as was the case in Kočani, where the use of pyrotechnic devices led to the disaster,” Cvetković stressed. According to him, a similar situation exists in Serbia. “Unfortunately, I cannot say that the situation is significantly better. Emergency inspectors often react only after a tragedy has occurred,” Cvetković emphasized. He warned that Serbia lacks a national disaster risk reduction strategy, as well as a protection and rescue plan. “We still do not have a proactive system that identifies and reduces risks before tragedies occur,” said Cvetković. The professor particularly emphasized that all public venues must have fire protection plans and risk assessments, but in practice, many do not comply […]

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Massive Fire in Kočani, North Macedonia – 59 Dead, Seven Days of Mourning Declared

Massive Fire in Kočani, North Macedonia – 59 Dead, Seven Days of Mourning Declared At least 59 people have died, and more than 150 were injured in a fire that broke out at the “Puls” nightclub in Kočani around 3 a.m. this morning. The injured have been transported to hospitals in Štip and Skopje. Among the deceased are members of the DNK band, who were performing at the nightclub. Twenty-two critically injured individuals are being transported to Turkey, Bulgaria, and Greece, while some of the injured are being transferred to Serbia for treatment. The government has declared a seven-day period of mourning. Around twenty people have been detained, including the nightclub owner and concert organizers. The investigation into the cause of the fire is ongoing, but initial reports suggest that sparks from pyrotechnics ignited the club’s ceiling, leading to the tragedy. Link – https://youtu.be/huERw3RvjqY?si=se0oAjvENcQQZUIy

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Fires and Explosions Caused by Improper Maintenance and Use of Gas Cylinders – Guest Appearance on Blic Television

Fires and Explosions Caused by Improper Maintenance and Use of Gas Cylinders – Guest Appearance on Blic Television Gas cylinders are widely used in households and industries, but improper use and poor maintenance can lead to serious fires and explosions. Such incidents endanger human lives and property, making it essential to apply precautionary and safety measures. One of the main causes of fires related to gas cylinders is gas leaks, which occur due to worn-out valves, hoses, or regulators. Even a minor leak can cause an explosion if exposed to a spark or open flame. Additionally, improper storage of cylinders, especially in enclosed and poorly ventilated spaces, increases the risk of gas accumulation and ignition. Incorrect installation and poorly connected hose joints are often the cause of accidents, as they lead to unnoticed gas leakage. Using outdated, damaged, or improperly filled cylinders also carries a high risk. Sometimes, cylinders on the market may be filled at unauthorized stations or modified inappropriately, making them unstable and prone to explosions. To prevent such accidents, it is necessary to regularly inspect hoses, valves, and regulators and immediately replace any worn-out parts. Gas cylinders should be stored in an upright position, away from heat sources and flammable materials, in well-ventilated areas. It is advisable to use only certified equipment installed by professionals. If a gas odor is detected, electrical devices must not be turned on, flames must not be ignited, and any source of sparks should be avoided. Windows should be opened immediately, the gas supply should be shut off, and the area should be evacuated. In the event of a fire, a suitable fire extinguisher (Class B) should be used, and the fire department should be contacted immediately. Improper handling of gas cylinders can have catastrophic consequences, but by following basic safety rules, […]

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