The Bulgarian Red Cross has called on people and families to prepare for disasters in advance. The call comes on the International Day for Disaster Risk Reduction, marked today, 13 October. The motto for 2026 is "Resilience starts at home".
The day is a UN initiative. Its idea is that lives are saved before a crisis starts. This year's motto points to the home and family as the first line of defence in a disaster. It says people should know the risks, have a plan, know how to evacuate and help their loved ones.
The Red Cross says disasters cannot always be prevented, but their effects are smaller when people are informed, prepared and know what to do. "Disasters can strike suddenly. Preparation should not wait," the organisation said in an official statement.
The Red Cross advises everyone to learn what the risks are in the area where they live. People should agree a disaster plan with their family, get the most needed supplies ready and learn basic first aid. Special attention should go to children, older people, people with disabilities and anyone who may need help in an evacuation or crisis.
The Bulgarian Red Cross works through a national network of regional branches, staff and volunteers. It sees prevention and preparation as part of its humanitarian mission. The aim is for people to be better prepared and for communities to cope better in the next crisis.
Volunteers and staff teach people how to protect themselves in earthquakes, floods, fires, extreme heat or cold and other disasters. They encourage families to have their own action plan and a disaster kit. The Red Cross trains and equips its volunteer teams for work in disasters, accidents and crashes (DERBAK) and its national units, and runs practical drills with them.
The organisation teaches people first aid in critical situations and gives psychosocial support to those who have lived through traumatic events. In a disaster, the Red Cross hands out humanitarian aid and basic necessities and helps victims together with state institutions and local authorities.
To be better ready for crises, the Red Cross is building mobile health teams, specialised training, partnerships and joint drills. In 2026 the organisation is preparing its teams for emergencies and, as part of this, works with the Canadian Red Cross on mobile health teams.
The Bulgarian Red Cross says preparation shows in practice in every disaster. In June 2026, after the flood in the village of Ticha, volunteers and staff helped those affected. Humanitarian aid went to 75 residents of the village.
The Red Cross says the best help is the kind that prevents suffering. It says resilience starts with knowledge, is built through preparation and is proved through solidarity.
The Bulgarian Red Cross thanked its volunteers, staff and partners for their work to protect people's lives and health.