An important program you should know: The Meteorology Initiative to Promote Climate Awareness
The official spokesperson for the National Center for Meteorology, Hussein Al-Qahtani, announced the launch of the national awareness program "It's Important to Know," a strategic step aimed at raising public awareness about how to best and safely deal with various weather phenomena. This program carries a direct and clear message to the community about the importance of making weather information an essential part of daily planning for individuals and institutions.
Context of the initiative and its strategic importance
This initiative comes at a time when the region is experiencing significant climate changes, with extreme weather events becoming more frequent in recent years, necessitating a high level of community preparedness. The objectives of the "Important to Know" program align with the goals of the Kingdom's Vision 2030 related to quality of life and enhancing public safety, as preventative awareness is the first line of defense against natural hazards. Shifting from reacting after a disaster to proactive preparedness is at the heart of this campaign, contributing to the protection of lives and property and reducing the economic and social losses that may result from floods, dust storms, and other disasters.
An integrated partnership to enhance public safety
Al-Qahtani explained that the campaign will not be an individual effort, but rather the result of a strategic partnership led by the Saudi Civil Defense in cooperation with all relevant government sectors, the private sector, public benefit associations, and volunteer teams. This institutional collaboration aims to deliver educational messages to the widest possible segment of citizens and residents through various media outlets and digital platforms, to ensure comprehensive awareness of the effects of weather and how to act appropriately during heavy rains or dust storms.
Changing societal behavior towards the weather
The program focuses primarily on modifying the behavior of individuals who might disregard official warnings, thus putting themselves at risk in valleys or floodplains. The spokesperson emphasized that the goal is not to frighten people about weather phenomena, as the weather is often beautiful and conducive to activities, but rather to instill a culture of proactive planning. By checking weather forecasts in advance, families and individuals can plan their outings and outdoor activities for safe times and places, transforming weather monitoring from an emergency measure into a daily habit that ensures safety and enjoyment.
Technology in the service of awareness: The "Anwaa" application
As part of leveraging technology to serve the program's objectives, Al-Qahtani highlighted the "Anwaa" application from the National Center of Meteorology, which is now one of the most downloaded weather apps in the Middle East. The app is a powerful tool for users, providing highly accurate ten-day weather forecasts and real-time monitoring of weather phenomena. Al-Qahtani described the app as a "gift" from the center to everyone, empowering them to make more informed and safer life decisions. He encouraged everyone to download it and take advantage of its advanced features to confidently navigate weather fluctuations.
