However, practice shows that even with the most perfect monitoring systems, it is impossible to fully rule out the possibility of accidents and guarantee the safe operation of a particular facility. Therefore, in order to reduce the degree of risk, in addition to measures aimed at preventing accidents, we must consider a range of measures to reduce the risk that they will occur. Technical and organizational measures should be taken into account.

For example, after the tragic bombing in the underground walkway at the Pushkinskaya Metro Station, we discovered that 80 percent of the victims were injured by flying building fragments or pieces of glass. With this in mind, as part of international cooperation efforts, the Moscow city government is purchasing a unique protective coating for glass that prevents it from breaking. This coating is being installed in areas where large numbers of people gather. The creation, training, and development of emergency personnel hold an important place in the operation of the system. With the support of the Russian Ministry of Emergency Situations, the city has created a modern rescue service, which it maintains at its own expense. About 14,000 firefighters, rescue personnel, and other specialists of the Main Administration for Civil Defense and Emergency Situations are working to ensure the security of Muscovites as they go about their daily affairs. Each day, about 1,700 people report for 24-hour duty shifts, of whom more than 1,500 are firefighters, rescue workers, and support specialists.

Current world experience in resolving the problem of preventing and responding to emergency situations in large cities indicates that achieving an optimal result is impossible without the use of aviation technologies. Therefore, the city has created its own aviation structure, which in times of heavy traffic congestion on the main roads will make it possible to deliver rescuers to the emergency zone in a timely fashion and evacuate the injured to the city’s health care facilities.

In conclusion, I would like to say that in eliminating the consequences of emergency situations we have gained bitter but nevertheless practical experience in working under extreme conditions. The Moscow city government is devoting a great deal of attention to issues regarding the prevention of emergency situations and the creation of a security system. We are prepared to share this experience and render the necessary assistance in this regard.