The book "Essential Tactics for Disaster Protection and Rescue" represents a pioneering, original, and comprehensive work that systematically and very simply describes the operational, tactical, and strategic aspects of designing, implementing, and applying measures for protection and rescue in various disasters caused by natural (earthquakes, landslides, avalanches, floods, storms, tsunamis, forest fires, epidemics, epiphytotics, epizootics, volcanic eruptions, droughts, extreme snowfall, blizzards, etc.) and technological hazards (nuclear and radiological, transportation and industrial hazards, hazardous materials, war destruction, and terrorist attacks). The textbook on tactics of disaster protection and rescue is primarily intended for students of undergraduate, master's, and doctoral studies at the Faculty of Security, University of Belgrade, and the Criminalistic-Police University, but also for the wider scientific and professional community interested in the most contemporary solutions, methods, and principles for protecting people and property in disasters caused by natural and technological hazards. The author has endeavored to ensure that the content of the textbook is in line with the curriculum and program of the subject "Protection from Natural and Technological Disasters," which is studied in the fourth year of undergraduate academic studies at the Faculty of Security. For these reasons, the author has made serious efforts to align the textbook standards with basic scientific and professional, pedagogical, and didactic, methodological requirements and standards. Unfortunately, in our region, there was no textbook based on which a comprehensive picture could be seen and basic information could be obtained about tactical procedures and recommendations for action in various disasters. In domestic scientific literature, the area of tactics for protecting and rescuing people in disasters is insufficiently researched, comprehensive, and systematic, and especially not content-structured in one comprehensive textbook. Scientists from various fields and spheres of interest have sporadically approached this subject of study in various scientific disciplines. However, the uniqueness of this book lies in the author's serious efforts to comprehensively supplement the modest and insufficiently grounded body of scientific knowledge about the diversity of tactical approaches in phenomenologically and etiologically different disasters that threaten individuals and society. The book before you is fully aligned with the specific approaches that the author employs in discussing the issues of tactics for protecting and rescuing people in disasters. The author presents numerous examples from practice upon which he bases his elaborations regarding the recommended and correct actions of all members of the competent services in disasters. Additionally, the author constructs theoretical principles, concepts, and suggestions based on his rich personal scientific research experience and works, which he extensively utilized in writing the textbook. The book synthesizes the results of numerous own scientific research published in the last decade, which represent a rich theoretical and empirical data repository created in the last decade of his scientific research work. The quality of the textbook is reflected in aligning the text with the most contemporary theoretical achievements and funds of theoretical and empirical knowledge in the field of protection and rescue of people in disasters in the Russian Federation, the United States, China, Germany, and other countries. During the work on the book, the author faced numerous challenges and obstacles that he had to overcome in order for the book to gain its scientific and pragmatic value. Selecting the most significant tactical solutions in different national systems for protection and rescue in disasters was a real challenge. It required a lot of thought in adapting tactical recommendations to socio-economic and other circumstances in Serbia. Adapting the rich scientific and professional terminology from different language areas and socio-political and socio-economic ambitions, especially in the context of tactics for protection and rescue in disasters, necessitated proposing new terms applicable to the Serbian language area. Translations of many specialist terms from the field of disaster studies are not uniquely established, neither in theory nor in practice. The aspiration towards universal terms, especially in joint operations to prevent the occurrence or spread of the consequences of disasters, simply imposes itself as a kind of imperative. The conceptual creation, organization, and the text of the textbook were accompanied by serious challenges already mentioned, and it was difficult to meet all the demands that arose during the writing process. Limitations regarding the number of pages, as well as requirements for meeting scientific and professional needs, laying the groundwork for further progress and development of the theoretical and empirical fund of scientific knowledge, and various perspectives of numerous scientific disciplines, influenced the quality, organization, and comprehensiveness of the book. For these reasons, the author believes that all suggestions, critiques, debates, observations, and comments will be of great importance for improving the textbook text in subsequent editions that will mature with the development of the scientific discipline of tactics for protection and rescue in disasters. Table of Contents The book is organized and systematized into several chapters, such as: I – Introduction to Tactics of Disaster Protection and Rescue; II – Measures of Disaster Protection and Rescue; III – Management of Measures for Disaster Protection and Rescue; IV – Role and Tasks of Intervention-Rescue Services in Disasters; V – Tactics of Disaster Protection and Rescue caused by Lithospheric Hazards; VI – Tactics of Disaster Protection and Rescue caused by Hydrospheric Hazards; VII – Tactics of Disaster Protection and Rescue caused by Atmospheric Hazards; VIII – Tactics of Disaster Protection caused by Biospheric Hazards; IX – Tactics of Disaster Protection and Rescue caused by Technological Hazards; X – Tactics of Disaster Protection and Rescue caused by Terrorist Attacks; XI – Tactics of Disaster Protection and Rescue caused by Major Fires. In an interesting and informative manner, the organization of measures for protection and rescue in disasters caused by natural and technological hazards is described. The content organization is done according to the importance and needs of future disaster risk managers, as well as others who will directly or indirectly participate in protection and rescue activities in disasters. In the first chapter of the textbook, the conceptual definition of tactics for protection and rescue in disasters is discussed, with a special focus on the theoretical evolution of its content and scope. The subject of tactics for protection and rescue in disasters is thoroughly examined, emphasizing its main etiological and phenomenological dimensions. In addition, the challenges and possibilities of developing tactics for protection and rescue in disasters are discussed, particularly emphasizing its connection with the development of disaster studies in the broadest sense. It is emphasized that despite the rich treasury of scientific knowledge about the causes and consequences of natural hazards, they continue to cause disasters, especially in developing countries. The sources of data on tactics for protection and rescue in disasters obtained through collection and analysis from various existing and generated databases are described. It is emphasized that various research organizations have a large number of databases containing direct or indirect sources on tactics for protection and rescue. Finally, an overview of the main data sources is provided, along with a description of their characteristics and significance for theory development. In the second chapter of the textbook, the conceptual definition of measures for protection and rescue in disasters is discussed, and the historical aspects of the development of such measures from the period after World War II to the present day are examined. Different periods of the emergence and application of measures for protection and rescue in practice are explained. Various types of measures for protection and rescue in disasters are elaborated on systematically and comprehensively: early warning systems, citizen notification and alerting, evacuation, search and rescue measures, terrain sanitation, organization of burials, disaster risk insurance, mobilization and protection of critical infrastructure from disasters. Within the section on the evacuation of people in disasters, the organization of evacuation implementation and the planning process for the implementation of evacuation measures are explained. In the context of terrain sanitation, special attention is given to the organization of burials after a disaster. Finally, an overview of the basic characteristics of natural and technological hazards as causes of disasters is provided. In the third chapter of the textbook, the conceptual foundations of managing measures for disaster protection and rescue are presented. Characteristics and specifics of the organization of managing measures for protection and rescue at different levels—strategic, tactical, and operational—are examined. Within the tactical level, the responsibilities and procedures of command centers for managing measures for protection and rescue are discussed. Then, within the operational level of managing measures for protection and rescue, the responsibilities of intervention leaders, risk assessment, area management and control, information and resource management, and post-disaster reporting are elaborated upon in detail. Special attention is given to the logistical aspects of supporting the management of measures for protection and rescue. Tasks and activities of various departments important for logistical support are considered: planning department, material supply department, operations department, administrative-legal affairs and finance department, as well as the role of information systems in the disaster protection process. Starting from the necessity of understanding different disaster protection and rescue systems, an overview of the characteristics of the organization and functioning of such systems in Russia, the United States, Serbia, Germany, and China is provided. Without neglecting the significant importance of various aspects of planning measures for protection and rescue, different dimensions of past disasters are examined to draw all lessons and improve the disaster protection and rescue systems to prevent such consequences from recurring. In the fourth chapter of the textbook, a comprehensive, logical, and systematic examination of the various roles and tasks of intervention-rescue services in disasters, such as the police, fire and rescue units, emergency medical services, military, civil defence units, and other subjects of disaster risk reduction systems, is provided. Special attention is given to considering all direct and indirect measures taken to protect the personnel of intervention-rescue services during the implementation of activities within their jurisdiction. In addition, the equipment that members of these services can use to prevent or mitigate the consequences of natural or technological hazards is described in detail. Without neglecting the importance of specific training, various activities and methods of training members of the mentioned services are described. Taking into account the importance of communication functioning in disasters, the author describes the functioning of various communication networks in disasters. Finally, an overview of various procedures for implementing decontamination and terrain sanitation operations is provided. Activities of emergency and mass decontamination are discussed in the context of various disasters. From the fifth to the tenth chapter of the textbook, an overview of the most significant tactical principles and recommendations regarding protection and rescue, or the implementation of specific operational, tactical, and technical measures and actions in various disasters caused by natural and technological hazards, is provided. Tactical principles of protecting and rescuing people in different mentioned hazards are described and analyzed in detail. Moreover, special attention is paid to the conceptual definition and characteristics of such hazards relevant to protection and rescue. In addition, the organization and specific protection measures in disasters are reviewed, described, and studied. The organization of rescue activities in disasters caused by earthquakes, landslides, avalanches, and volcanic eruptions is comprehensively and in detail described and explained. Consequently, for each of the mentioned hazards, the characteristics of the hazards themselves, organization and protection measures, as well as the organization of rescue activities, are examined. Gratitude During several years of work on creating a substantial theoretical and empirical foundation of scientific knowledge in the field of disaster studies, especially in the areas of disaster risk management and tactics for disaster protection and rescue, numerous professors, experts, and practitioners in the field of disasters have inspired me. Professors from the Criminalistic-Police University, the Faculty of Security, the Faculty of Geography, the Faculty of Forestry, and the Faculty of Law in Novi Sad have encouraged me, provided new ideas, strength, and support during turbulent periods of my career. I would like to take this opportunity to express my gratitude to the following professors whose words have strengthened me, guided me, and provided me with support, always being there to listen, advise, and assist in every situation: Prof. Dr. Goran Milošević, Prof. Dr. Dragan Mlađan, Prof. Dr. Vladimir Jakovljević, Prof. Dr. Boban Milojković, Prof. Dr. Slavoljub Dragićević, Prof. Dr. Srđan Milašinović, Prof. Dr. Tatjana Bugarski, Prof. Dr. Stanimir Kostadinov, Prof. Dr. Želimir Kešetović, Prof. Dr. Zoran Keković, Prof. Dr. Bojan Janković, Prof. Dr. Jasmina Gačić, Prof. Dr. Hatidža Beriša, and Prof. Dr. Neda Nikolić. Additionally, I would like to extend special thanks to the members of the Scientific-Professional Society for Risk Management in Emergencies and the International Institute for Disaster Research for their selfless support and assistance: Jovana Martinović, Nemanji Miljković, Sofija Radojković, Nemanji Danković, Milici Vlajković, Vanji Šišović, Milici Stefanović, Tamari Mančić, Zoranu Planojeviću, Jeleni Planić, Tamari Ivković, Marku Nikoliću, Darku Protiću, Vladimiru Aksentijeviću, Milošu Ivoviću, Milošu Veličkoviću, to my family, to my mother Slavica Cvetković, and to my brother Aleksandar Cvetković, as well as to others whom I would not explicitly mention here. Sincere and selfless gratitude is owed to my students at the Faculty of Security, University of Belgrade, and the Criminalistic-Police University, who during the teaching process provided me with motivation and support to invest years of effort and write the textbook in front of you. Special thanks for great support on the road to success are also owed to the Secretary of the Faculty of Security, University of Belgrade, Nevena Nastić. In the process of reviewing, professional comments, suggestions, and proposals have been of immeasurable help in giving this work its unique and authentic character, characterized by specific organizational aspects and content. In that sense, I received great support from Prof. Dr. Vladimir Jakovljević from the Faculty of Security, University of Belgrade, Prof. Dr. Bojan Janković from the Criminalistic-Police University, Prof. Dr. Slavoljub Dragićević from the Faculty of Geography, University of Belgrade, Prof. Dr. Srđan Milašinović from the Criminalistic-Police University, and Prof. Dr. Hatidža Beriša from the University of Defense, Military Academy. The author also expresses immense support to the Scientific-Professional Society for Risk Management in Emergencies and the International Institute for Disaster Research, without whose comprehensive scientific, logistical, and financial support this book would not have seen the light of day. At this moment, I would also like to express great gratitude to God's power and prayers that selflessly guided me on the path to success in creative activities. Chapter One of the textbook examines the conceptual definition of tactics for disaster protection and rescue, with a special focus on the theoretical evolution of its content and scope. It thoroughly discusses the subject of tactics for disaster protection and rescue, highlighting its main etiological and phenomenological dimensions. Additionally, it explains the challenges and opportunities in the development of tactics for disaster protection and rescue, emphasizing their connection with the broader field of disaster studies. Despite the wealth of scientific knowledge on the causes and consequences of natural hazards, disasters continue to occur, especially in developing countries. The chapter describes the sources of data on tactics for disaster protection and rescue obtained through collection and analysis from various existing and generated databases. It emphasizes the existence of different research organizations with numerous databases containing direct or indirect sources on disaster protection and rescue tactics. Finally, an overview of the main data sources on tactics for disaster protection and rescue is provided, including descriptions of their characteristics and significance for theory development.The second chapter of the textbook delves into the conceptual definition of measures for disaster protection and rescue operations, exploring historical aspects of the development of such measures from the period following World War II to the present day. It particularly elucidates various periods in the emergence and application of disaster protection and rescue measures in practice. Various types of disaster protection and rescue measures are systematically and comprehensively elaborated upon, including early warning systems, citizen notification and alerting, evacuation, search and rescue measures, terrain sanitation, organization of burials, disaster risk management, mobilization, and protection of critical infrastructure. Within the section addressing the evacuation of individuals in disasters, methods for organizing and implementing evacuations and the planning process for evacuation implementation are explained. Special attention is devoted to the organization of burials following disasters within the context of terrain sanitation. Finally, an overview of the basic characteristics of natural and technical-technological hazards as causes of disasters is provided. In the third chapter of the textbook, conceptual foundations of disaster management measures are presented. The characteristics and specificities of organizing disaster management measures at different levels—strategic, tactical, and operational—are examined. Within the tactical level, the responsibilities and procedures of disaster management headquarters are scrutinized. Then, within the operational level of disaster management measures, the responsibilities of intervention managers, assessment of operational safety, area management and control, information and resource management, and post-disaster reporting are elaborated in detail. Special attention is given to logistical aspects of supporting disaster management measures. Tasks and activities of various departments crucial for logistical support are discussed: planning department, material supply department, operations department, administrative-legal affairs and finance department, as well as the role of information systems in the disaster protection process. Recognizing the necessity of understanding different disaster protection and management systems, an overview of the organization and functioning of such systems in Russia, the United States, Serbia, Germany, and China is provided. Without neglecting the significant importance of various aspects of planning disaster management measures, different dimensions of past disasters are examined to draw lessons and enhance disaster management systems to prevent such consequences from reoccurring.In the fourth chapter of the textbook, various roles and tasks of emergency-rescue services (police, fire and rescue units, emergency medical services, military, civil protection units) in the process of preventing or mitigating disasters are comprehensively, logically, and systematically examined. Special attention is given to considering all direct and indirect protective and rescue measures taken to protect the personnel of emergency-rescue services during their activities within their jurisdiction. Additionally, the equipment that members of these services can use to prevent or mitigate the consequences of natural or technological hazards is described in detail. Without neglecting the importance of specific training, various activities and training methods for members of these services are outlined. Taking into account the importance of communication functioning during disasters, the author describes the functioning of various communication networks during disasters. Finally, an overview of various procedures for implementing decontamination and terrain sanitation operations is provided. Activities for emergency and mass decontamination are discussed in the context of different disasters.In the fifth chapter of the textbook, an overview of the most significant tactical principles and recommendations regarding protection and rescue, i.e., taking concrete operational, tactical, and technical measures and actions in disasters caused by lithospheric hazards such as earthquakes, landslides, avalanches, and volcanic eruptions is provided. Within this chapter, tactical principles for the protection and rescue of people in disasters caused by lithospheric hazards such as earthquakes, landslides, avalanches, and volcanic eruptions are examined. Special attention is paid to conceptual definitions and characteristics of such hazards significant for protection and rescue. The organization and specific protective measures in such disasters are reviewed, formulated, and studied. Additionally, the organization of rescue activities in disasters caused by earthquakes, landslides, avalanches, and volcanic eruptions is elaborated and described. Therefore, for each of the mentioned hazards, the characteristics of the hazards themselves, organization and protective measures, as well as the organization of rescue activities, are examined.In the fifth chapter of the textbook, an overview of the most significant tactical principles and recommendations regarding protection and rescue in disasters caused by hydrospheric hazards is provided. Within this chapter, tactical principles for the protection and rescue of people in disasters caused by hydrospheric hazards such as floods, flash floods, and avalanches are examined. Special attention is given to conceptual definitions and characteristics of such hazards relevant to protection and rescue efforts. The organization and specific measures of protection in such disasters are reviewed, formulated, and studied. Additionally, the organization of rescue activities in disasters caused by floods, flash floods, and avalanches is clarified and described. Similar to the previous chapter, characteristics of the hazards themselves, organization and protective measures, as well as the organization of rescue activities are examined for each of the mentioned hazards.Chapter seven of the textbook provides an overview of the most significant tactical principles and recommendations regarding protection and rescue, i.e., undertaking specific operational-tactical and technical measures and actions in disasters caused by atmospheric hazards. Within this chapter, tactical principles for the protection and rescue of people in disasters caused by storms, droughts, and snowfall are examined. Additionally, special attention is given to the conceptual definition and characteristics of such hazards relevant to protection and rescue. Furthermore, the organization and specific protective measures in such disasters are reviewed, formulated, and studied. Additionally, the organization of rescue activities in disasters caused by storms, droughts, and snowfall is clarified and described. As in the previous chapter, for each of the mentioned hazards, the characteristics of the hazards themselves, organization, and protective measures, as well as the organization of rescue activities, are considered.In the seventh chapter of the textbook, tactical principles and recommendations regarding the protection and rescue of people in disasters caused by biospheric hazards are discussed. Within this chapter, tactical principles for the protection and rescue of people in disasters caused by epidemics, epiphytotic diseases, epizootics, and forest fires are examined. Additionally, special attention is given to conceptual definitions and characteristics of such hazards relevant to protection and rescue efforts. Furthermore, the organization and specific protective measures in such disasters are reviewed, formulated, and studied. Additionally, the organization of rescue activities in disasters caused by epidemics, epiphytotic diseases, epizootics, and forest fires are clarified and described. As in the previous chapter, for each of the mentioned hazards, characteristics of the hazards themselves, organization and protective measures, as well as the organization of rescue activities, are examined.In the ninth chapter of the textbook, tactical principles and recommendations regarding the protection and rescue of people in disasters caused by technical-technological hazards are discussed. Within this chapter, tactical principles for protecting and rescuing people in disasters caused by nuclear and radiological hazards, industrial accidents, transportation and infrastructure hazards, hazardous materials, and war devastations are examined. Special attention is given to defining and characterizing such hazards and their significance for protection and rescue efforts. The organization and specific protection measures in such disasters are reviewed, formulated, and studied. The organization of rescue activities in disasters caused by nuclear and radiological hazards, industrial accidents, transportation and infrastructure hazards, hazardous materials, and war devastations are described and clarified. Similar to the previous chapter, for each of these hazards, the characteristics of the hazards themselves, organization and protection measures, as well as the organization of rescue activities, are examined.In the tenth chapter of the textbook, tactical principles and recommendations regarding the protection and rescue of people in disasters caused by terrorist attacks are examined. Within this chapter, tactical principles for the protection and rescue of people in disasters caused by chemical, biological, nuclear, or radiological terrorist attacks, as well as attacks using high-explosive devices, are explored. Additionally, special attention is given to the conceptual definition and characteristics of such hazards, which are significant for protection and rescue efforts. The organization and specific protective measures in such disasters are reviewed, formulated, and studied. Comprehensive and detailed descriptions and explanations of the organization of rescue activities in disasters caused by chemical, biological, nuclear, or radiological terrorist attacks, as well as attacks using high-explosive devices, are provided. Similar to the previous chapter, characteristics of the hazards themselves, organization, and protective measures, as well as the organization of rescue activities, are examined for each of the mentioned threats. In the eleventh chapter of the textbook, tactical principles and recommendations regarding the protection and rescue of people in disasters caused by major fires are discussed. Within this chapter, conceptual definitions, characteristics, and types of fires are examined, with a focus on basic characteristics, burning processes, and extinguishing methods. Additionally, preventive measures for fire protection are considered: structural, technological, measures for wildfire protection, and measures for protecting against fires involving hazardous materials. Furthermore, special attention is given to fire extinguishing agents: water, powder, carbon dioxide, and foam. The organization and protection measures in disasters caused by fires are discussed, with a focus on technical-rescue interventions. Finally, the identification of the causes of fires and explosions is analyzed in detail.