Chapter I General Provisions

Article 1 These Regulations are formulated in accordance with the Meteorology Law of the People's Republic of China, for the purpose of strengthening prevention of and preparedness for meteorological disasters, avoiding and reducing the losses caused by meteorological disasters, and protecting the people's lives and their properties.

Article 2 These Regulations apply to prevention of and preparedness for meteorological disasters conducted within the territory of the People's Republic of China and the sea areas under the jurisdiction of the People's Republic of China.

The term "meteorological disaster" in these Regulations refers to a disaster caused by typhoon, rainstorm (snowstorm), cold spell, heavy wind (sandstorm), low temperature, high temperature, drought, thunderstorm and lightning, hail, frost, heavy fog, etc.

The provisions of relevant laws and administrative regulations apply to the work for prevention of and preparedness for such derived or secondary disasters as flood and drought disasters, geological disasters, marine disasters and forest or grassland fires, which are caused by meteorological factors.

Article 3 The work for prevention of and preparedness for meteorological disasters shall follow the principle of putting people first, taking scientific measures, joint efforts by governmental agencies, and participation of social entities.

Article 4 The people's governments at or above the county level shall strengthen the organization, leadership and coordination of the work for prevention of and preparedness for meteorological disasters, and they shall incorporate the prevention of and preparedness for meteorological disasters into their national economic and social development plans, and include the funds needed in their fiscal budgets respectively.

Article 5 The competent meteorological institution of the State Council and the relevant departments of the State Council shall, in accordance with their division of functions and duties, jointly well carry out the work for prevention of and preparedness for meteorological disasters across the country.

The local competent meteorological institutions at various levels and the relevant departments of the local people's governments at or above the county level shall, in accordance with their division of functions and duties, jointly well carry out the work for prevention of and preparedness for meteorological disasters within their respective administrative areas.

Article 6 Where the work for prevention of and preparedness for meteorological disasters involves two or more administrative areas, the relevant local people's governments and relevant departments shall establish a joint prevention mechanism so as to enhance information exchange, supervision and inspection.

Article 7 The local people's governments and relevant departments at various levels shall, by multiple means, disseminate to the public the knowledge about prevention of and preparedness for meteorological disasters, and increase public awareness of the importance of and their capabilities in prevention and mitigation of the disasters.

Schools shall include the knowledge about prevention of and preparedness for meteorological disasters into relevant curriculum or extracurricular education, and foster and increase students' awareness of precautions against meteorological disasters and their capabilities in self- and mutual-rescues. Departments for education, meteorology, etc. shall guide and supervise the education on prevention of and preparedness for meteorological disasters in schools.

Article 8 The State encourages scientific and technological research on prevention of and preparedness for meteorological disasters, support promotion and application of advanced techniques used in prevention of and preparedness for meteorological disasters. The international cooperation and exchanges shall be enhanced to increase the scientific and technological level of prevention of and preparedness for meteorological disasters.

Article 9 Citizens, legal entities and other organizations have the obligations to participate in the work for prevention of and preparedness for meteorological disasters, and to conduct self- and mutual-rescues in case a meteorological disaster occurs. The organizations and individuals that have made outstanding contributions to the work for prevention of and preparedness for meteorological disasters shall, in accordance with the relevant provisions of the State, be commended and awarded.