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Dubai Plans Electronic Safety, Alarm System to Prevent Fires

DUBAI — An electronic safety and alarm system is being considered for implementation across the UAE to prevent fires, said a senior Dubai Civil Defence official on Wednesday.

Major-General Rashid Thani Al Matroushi, Acting Director of the Dubai Civil Defence, said at the opening of two civil defence stations that field surveys were underway to determine buildings that should be included in the safety system.

He said accidents in warehouses have dropped by 50 per cent after conducting campaigns and imposing of fines that would reach Dh50,000.

Al Matroushi said during the last eight months, no fire accidents have been reported.

The new civil defence stations in Al Barsha and Port Saeed and a civil defence point in Al Lusaily in Dubai were opened in the presence of Shaikh Mansour bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum.

Shaikh Mansour also launched the first mobile media car.

Al Matroushi said the media car would be available in areas of major incidents and would be used to hold press briefings.

Journalists will also have access to laptops and other facilities, including TV. The Dubai Civil Defence also launched 55 new electronic services.

In a drill, rescue teams demonstrated advanced new equipment they have acquired including an escape shute to rescue people trapped in high-rise buildings.

A ‘steel arm’ was also demonstrated, which will be used to break through concrete and steel. The arm will create a hole through which up to 6,000 litres of water can be sprayed to put out a fire.

Al Matroushi said the new building at Al Barsha, constructed by the Dubai Municipality, cost Dh40 million.

The five-storey glass tower generates some of its power through solar energy.

He said the three civil defence stations in Al Manara, Al Marsa and Port Saeed would be inaugurated this year.

The civil defence teams had substantially upgraded safety standards during rescues — whether in fires or at sea.

“Following the deaths of civil defence staff and two sportsmen, the Dubai Civil Defence has put new regulations and made wearing life jackets compulsory and it should be dressed before going to boats,” Al Matroushi said.

“Staff are also provided with the proper training to rescue the people fast and advanced Canadian boats were introduced that have ability to resist waves.

“We have introduced six trainers from the UK to give three-month training to old and new staff at a lower cost, instead of sending them abroad.”

amira@khaleejtimes.com