Bahrain marks World Civil Defence Day

Manama, Feb. 29 (BNA): Bahrain will tomorrow join the other nations in marking the World Civil Defence Day which falls on March 1. Interior Minister Lieutenant-General Shaikh Rashid bin Abdullah Al-Khalifa delivered this keynote address on the international event, being held this year under the theme "Civil Defence, Information Technology and Media". "The world celebrates on March 1 the World Health Day that is marked this year under the theme "Civil Defence, Information Technology and Media" as appreciation of the role of the civil defence in the protection of the safety of lives from dangers and threats that are related to humans such as wars, fires and pollution or natural disasters". "The civil defence works to fight those threats to reduce losses in term of lives and property. With the approach to develop general safety steps to tackle challenges and changes because of urban expansion and the increase in service and industrial utilities, there are a need for the utilisation of modern technology in firefighting, rescue and awareness operations, in addition to evaluate the general safety conditions and the implementation of modern censoring systems to prevent all dangers". "There is also a need to promote the role of the media towards sustainable development of the relations between the civil defence and the public through awareness and guidance programmes to create a general safety culture. If the media messages reach the public on time then those messages would reach their goals". "Bahrain has achieved remarkable milestones in civil defence, especially after the department was expanded to a general directorate and the expansion of civil defence centres to cover all parts of the country and work round the clock, with the capability to deal with various accidents. The success of the civil defence in carrying its missions comes as part of the support of the wise government in relation with the Interior Ministry’s strategy for the protection of the security and stability of the public. There will be a national plan to ensure a protection of all dangers and coordination with the International Atomic Energy Agency to tackle possible chemical and nuclear threats". "As part of the reinforcement of community partnership in the protection of security and general safety, the Interior Ministry has proposed a draft law on accepting volunteers in public security to be issued as part of the constitutional and legal channels. In 2015 the civil defence dealt with 8745 cases and 2277 accidents. It provided many training on firefighting, first aid, safety and evacuation". "The civil defence participated in various national celebrations and festivals and won many prizes out of appreciation of its contributions in the protection of lives and property. In this occasion I call upon all to cooperate with the civil defence personnel in the protection of general safety by following safety rules and instructions". "I expressed sincere thanks and appreciation to the General Directorate of Civil Defence and its personnel and wished them all the best. I wish also security and stability to the nation under the leadership of His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa. Peace, mercy and blessings of God."