The International Civil Defense Organization (ICDO) has announced March 1 as the World Civil Defense Day.

The slogan of the day will be “Civil Defense and safety at home,” said Director General of Civil Defense Lt. Gen. Saad Al-Tuwaijeri in a statement to the Saudi Press Agency.

The marking of the day aims to increase public awareness of the precautions to be taken to ensure safety at home and of ways to handle accidents at home, Al-Tuwaijeri said in his statement.

“The crown prince’s decision to observe the international day also follows his instructions to cooperate with all friendly countries and exchange expertise in fulfilling the humanitarian task of Civil Defense in protecting people from calamities. The day will also highlight the growing potentials of the Saudi Civil Defense in keeping with the country’s present growth in other sectors,” Al-Tuwaijeri said.

“The directorate’s plans for the occasion includes awareness programs such as exhibitions, lectures and visits to schools and universities in addition to distribution of leaflets and booklets describing common accidents at home and precautionary measures,” he said.

The activities also include other programs to familiarize people with the obligatory safety requirements every house should have.

The director also stressed the important role the media have to play to spread a culture of safety in the country. He added the directorate is also setting up a media center to supply statements and information to the media about the activities of the day. The directorate will also launch a special site on YouTube and other social networking sites in addition to the directorate’s website on the Internet.

Al-Tuwaijeri thanked all provincial governors for their support to the day’s events. He also called on citizens and expatriates to participate in the activities of the Civil Defense.

Saudi Arabian Civil Defense’s services have been internationally acclaimed especially during the annual Haj season when millions converge in Makkah. Its humanitarian services in other countries have also been lauded. In recognition of Saudi Arabia’s evacuation services and aid operations during the flood crisis in Pakistan, ICDO awarded Al-Tuwaijeri a gold medal last year.

ICDO is an intergovernmental organization with the objective of contributing to the development of governmental structures ensuring the protection and assistance of population and safeguarding property and the environment from natural or man-made disasters.