The Ministry of Interior hosted a council in Al Bateen in Abu Dhabi to stress the importance of complying with the prevention and safety requirements and exercising caution to avoid potential risks associated with fires.

Held under the slogan “Abiding by Protection Methods to Achieve Security and Safety”,  was  moderated by journalist Ali Al Shamesi from Abu Dhabi Media, is part of the awareness-raising councils organized by the Respect Culture Bureau at the General Secretariat of the Office of Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Interior.

The participants of the council urged citizens to regularly maintain their electrical appliances, especially in kitchens, and avoid leaving them plugged and running.

Participants called on community members to adopt the necessary precautionary measures, especially in summer, in order to avoid risks associated with fires and preserve lives and property. They underlined the need for the public to recognize the importance of the efforts exerted by the Civil Defence Sector, to ensure the safety of the public.

Lt Col Mohammed Abdul Jalil Al Ansari, director General of Abu Dhabi Civil Defense, emphasized in his speech the importance of exercising caution in all matters of public safety. He said that neglect and overloading electrical connections were some of the major causes of fires during the past period. Moreover, he urged drivers to have a fire extinguisher readily available inside their vehicles, as they are essential to handle potential fires, especially the unexpected ones.

“Even though fire incidents caused by gas leaks are a rare occurrence, community members of society are required to ensure that gas cylinders are stored in secure locations, in accordance with the prevention and safety guidelines established by the UAE Civil Defense,” he said.

“In case of potential gas leaks, it is mandatory to avoid turning light switches or anything electrical on or off; provide proper ventilation by opening doors and windows; and begin rapid evacuation of the premises then notify Civil Defense entities to perform the necessary.”

Lt Col Al Ansari emphasized that the Civil Defence staff members are efficient, professional, and highly skilled. “They show a spirit of initiative, rapid response, precision at work and high sense of responsibility. They also use modern techniques in performing the tasks assigned to them,” he continued.

“In the case of a simple fire, you must leave a safe distance between you and the fire (two to three meters), and aim the fire extinguisher nozzle at the base of the fire,” he said.

Al Shamesi said: “The Civil Defense leadership has given top priority to promote the security culture and spread the concept of civil safety, in order to reinforce the basic rules that Civil Defense members diligently endeavour to achieve with high efficiency, to attain the ultimate goal of protecting all segments of society and maintaining a healthy and safe community environment.” – TradeArabia News Service