On 18 October, at City Park in Skopje, citizens will have the opportunity to learn how to prepare for floods, recognise risks and respond in time.
On the occasion of the 2026 International Day for Disaster Risk Reduction, the project “Improved Implementation of the EU Floods Directive through Harmonization of National Legislation and Preparation of Flood Risk Management Plans” is organising a public awareness event under the motto “Resilience Starts at Home.”
The event will take place on Sunday, 18 October 2026, from 11:00 to 14:00, at Školka, City Park, Skopje. It is open to all citizens, with activities designed for families, parents, children and everyone interested in learning more about flood preparedness.
The Resilience Pathway: Five Steps That Can Make a Difference
The central feature of the event will be the Resilience Pathway – an interactive journey through five practical steps:
- KNOW – learn the difference between flood hazard and flood risk, and why understanding the risks in our surroundings matters.
- PREPARE – check how prepared your family is, what an emergency kit should contain and why having a family plan is important.
- RECOGNISE – learn to recognise warnings and dangerous situations and understand why timely action matters.
- RESPOND – discover how to act safely when facing a flood threat and why it is important to follow the instructions of the competent authorities.
- SEEK HELP – learn when and how to use the emergency number 112 and what information to provide when reporting an emergency.
Through information panels, practical advice, quizzes and educational activities, visitors will be able to test their knowledge and learn what they can do to become better prepared.
What Can Visitors See and Learn?
The thematic stations will explain the difference between flood hazard and flood risk, the importance of flood hazard and risk maps, the essential contents of an emergency kit, and practical steps for staying safe when facing a flood threat.
Visitors will also learn how flood risks are assessed and mapped, how flood risk management measures are planned, and how a better understanding of risks contributes to safer communities.
Special attention will be given to children through activities that encourage them to think about their own safety and the simple steps they can take together with their families.
The Red Cross of the Republic of North Macedonia will also participate in the event, with activities related to disaster preparedness and response, first aid, and the importance of solidarity and community support.
From Knowledge to Preparedness
Reducing flood risk starts with better information, planning and timely preparation. When we understand the risks, know how to recognise warnings and know what to do in an emergency, we can help make our families and communities safer.
Through the project, co-funded by the European Union, work is underway to improve the national framework for flood risk management, assess flood risks in 10 river sub-basins, prepare flood hazard and risk maps, develop Flood Risk Management Plans and prepare an implementation plan for a flood early warning system.
The public event connects this work with citizens’ everyday lives and demonstrates why better planning and access to information are essential for protecting people, homes and communities.
We cannot always prevent floods, but we can reduce the risks and prepare to respond in time.
📅 When: Sunday, 18 October 2026, 11:00–14:00
📍 Where: Školka, City Park, Skopje
👨👩👧👦 Who can attend: Everyone – children, parents, families and all interested visitors.
We invite you to join us and explore the Resilience Pathway!
KNOW. PREPARE. RESPOND.
The event is organised within the framework of the project on improving the implementation of the EU Floods Directive, with the support of the European Union.
