Natural disasters risk – official statement and awareness of workers in Stara Zagora region,Bulgaria

Disasters caused by natural phenomena often occur in Bulgaria. They cause a large number of dead, disappeared and medical losses in the zone of defeat. Social and economic consequences have a significant adverse effect on development and economic growth. For this reason reducing the risk of disaster situations and the readiness for protection are exclusively matter to sustainable development. Awareness of people at risk of natural disasters in the region in which they live and work is essential to reduce risk and increase readiness to protect. Aim: Research and analysis of the preparedness of workers for dealing with disaster situations in Stara Zagora Region, taking in mind the awareness of respondents for the most risky natural disasters. Material and methods: An empirical sociological study is conducted through direct group self – administered questionnaire (SAQ) of 322 workers in various fields of the national economy in Stara Zagora Region. The survey was conducted from January to December 2016. The places of study were enterprises and companies in various industries in Stara Zagora Region, some of which are included in the list of sites of critical infrastructure in Bulgaria. Results: Analysis of the results of the survey among workers in various fields of national economy in the Stara Zagora Region shows insufficient awareness about the risk of natural disasters as the majority of respondents indicate that there is no or little risk of them occurring. Conclusion: Possible consequences in case of natural disasters require continuously and purposefully increase awareness about the most risky natural disasters in the area in which people live and work and remedies for protection and provision of first aid.