International Scientific Journals
of Scientific Technical Union of Mechanical Engineering "Industry 4.0"

The behavior of citizens in disaster situation is the basis of its mastery. Due to their sudden nature, large scale and detrimental potential, critical situations require quick actions, the adequacy and correct orientation of which have a key role in the protection and preservation of human life. At that moment, the main factors that form adequate behavior are: the risk perception, including the knowledge and the understanding of the disaster; the information that is provided by the authorized bodies for the specific case and its adequacy and the personal characteristics of the people in the disaster threat. The most significant impact on all these factors has the acquired knowledge and practical skills in the field of safety and disaster protection, provided in advance and referred to the so-called “pre-impact” or preparation phase. This knowledge is focused on the nature of the disaster, the way it could affect people, the correct behavior of each person, during and after it, the evacuation routes and available shelters, first aid techniques, etc. It is directed to citizens and gives the basic information needed for successful crisis management, and not only qualitatively improves the organization of the population, reduces chaos and confusion and ensures adequate collective response and discipline, but gives opportunity for volunteering in providing additional support to the medical teams in their efforts to help people in need.

Floods are the most common natural disasters on the territory of Bulgaria. As a temporary flooding of a significant part of the land as a result of the action of natural forces, destruction of hydro technical facilities (dam walls, dams) or other critical situations (accidents), these are events with a great possibility of prevention and mitigation of negative effects, since unlike other natural disasters, they are highly predictable. In many cases, the timing, nature and expected sizes can be determined in advance, which, together with the preparation of the population for response and crisis management measures, are part of the complex activity of Flood Protection. The researched information system for water management is part of the measures for the effective management of the risk of floods in the territory of the Municipality of Burgas, as the most frequently occurring disaster in the territory of the Municipality, related to large material damages, destruction and casualties. Photos of the operation of the system in real conditions of rising waters of the monitored water bodies are presented, as well as the actions aimed at controlling the negative effects of the disaster.