On the occasion of the 36th anniversary of Spitak earthquake, large-scale public awareness events were held by the instruction of the Director of RS-Deputy Minister of IA Kamo Tsutsulyan. The events were organized and held throughout the country with the active participation of state authorities, local self-government bodies, educational institutions and other concerned organizations, with the aim of raising public preparedness for disasters.

The events were launched from December 7 including seminars, workshops, thematic lectures, training sessions and exercises, emphasizing disaster prevention, raising public awareness, strengthening mechanisms for population protection and enhancing resilience. 

In Aragatsotn province, the Rescue Service in collaboration with a number of regional organizations conducted a workshop, seminar and training sessions on enhancing disaster resilience. Issues related to preventive measures focused on educational institutions as a priority were discussed. The practical exercises on evacuation in case of an earthquake were also organized in Oshakan, Nerkin Sasnashen, Hartavan and Geghadir communities.

In Ararat province, the seminars and practical courses on evacuation in case of an earthquake were organized and conducted in the kindergarten of Verin Dvin community, as well as in the secondary schools of Aralez, Surenavan, Sayat-Nova settlements respectively in Vedi, Ararat and Masis communities and the basic school in Artashat town. Moreover, a workshop on "Disaster Resilience Day" was held in the Ararat regional administration.

In Armavir province, a series of lectures and workshops were organized at the secondary schools of Hatzik, Apaga, Haykavan, Argina, and Myasnikyan settlements, as well as in the state college named after V. Hamazaspyan in Vagharshapat and Armavir Regional College, as well as in "Armavir Military and Sports Specialized College named after Tigran Mets" SNCO. The events presented the earthquake response process, evacuation planning and lessons learned from the 1988 disaster.

In Gegharkunik province, the seminars and lectures were held: lectures on "Disaster Resistance Day" and "Disasters typical of the region", as well as discussions on "Emergency situations typical of the region and key issues of population protection".

In Lori province, the Rescue Service organized and conducted special tactical exercises on "Implementation of evacuation and rescue operations in case of a strong earthquake" in 8 schools, as well as lectures and discussions on "Rules of conduct in case of a strong earthquake" in 21 schools and 5 community municipalities. These sessions aimed at teaching evacuation procedures, conducting rescue operations and educating participants on appropriate behavior during an earthquake.

In Kotayk province, the seminars, lectures and practical sessions were held on "Behavioral rules for the population during an earthquake and the organization of population evacuation". These events focused on discussing key issues related to population safety and evacuation planning. The events were actively participated by pupils and teaching staff of secondary, basic and high schools, as well as local community leaders. Additionally, there were demonstrations of rescue equipment.

In Shirak province, various seminars and special tactical exercises were held in several educational institutions, during which earthquake preparedness and evacuation issues were discussed, as well as equipment used in rescue operations were demonstrated. 

In Vayots Dzor, the workshops and seminars, as well as lectures on "Rules of conduct during an earthquake" were held in secondary, primary and high schools of the communities by Vayots Dzor Regional Rescue Department alongside local self-government bodies and organizations.

In Tavush province, the working group of Tavush Regional Rescue Department organized and conducted seminars on "Preparation for strong earthquakes", "Rules of conduct for the population during an earthquake" and exercises on "Organization of population evacuation" in educational institutions.

In Syunik province, as part of the nationwide events organized by the working group of Syunik Regional Rescue Department, workshops on the same topic were held at the regional and community administrations. Additionally, the fire and rescue squads of Kapan, Sisian, Meghri, Kajaran and Goris in cooperation with the officers of the Police of the Ministry of Internal Affairs conducted seminars and practical training sessions at educational institutions on "Behavioral rules and protection of the population in case of a strong earthquake" and "Organization of population evacuation".

The exercises and discussions on "Behavioral rules for the population during an earthquake" were conducted by the units of Yerevan Rescue Department in several educational institutions including schools of Yerevan city, the "Armenian-Chinese friendship school" Foundation, the "Mkhitar Sebastatsi" educational complex and Yerevan municipality. These activities were aimed at enhancing practical skills and knowledge, while simultaneously raising public awareness and preparedness levels.

Highlighting the preparedness of communities and educational institutions during disasters, special attention was paid during the events to the points of rapid response, first aid and evacuation organization, which were implemented through practical and special tactical training exercises. During the practical exercises, the participants were introduced to the use of rescue equipment, specialists presented the importance of their use during disasters.

During the seminars and lectures, issues of population protection and civil defense were discussed with the aim of promoting the readiness of community structures and residents. The development of clear action plans during disasters was also discussed, emphasizing the effectiveness of community management.

The initiative of the Rescue Service of the Ministry of Internal Affairs is an important step towards forming a culture of disaster resilience among the Armenians, from the perspective of increasing the preparedness of both the population and professional structures.

Culture of disaster resilience greatly contributes to the formation of awareness in society that not only prepares for disasters, but also has sufficient knowledge and skills to provide assistance to those affected by disasters. In addition, such events promote national solidarity and emphasize the importance of providing moral support. Through such programs, the Armenian population can become more resilient and prepared, while simultaneously reducing the risks of disasters and their results.