Plans for mandatory helipads on top of high-rise buildings in the UAE are being considered, the 11th session of Sharjah Consul-tative Council was told yesterday.
Also on the anvil are a dedicated new Civil Defence college, and upgrade of personnel, equipment and presence, particularly on UAE waters, and in far-off areas not currently having a strong presence.
The session, the second to discuss issues pertaining to the policies of the Civil Defence in Sharjah, also discussed the financial support that will enable the department to carry out its duties.
The necessity to increase personnel, equipment and vehicles as well as promoting programmes on personnel training and public awareness were also stressed.
"We need to maximise safety standards in high-rise buildings, in cooperation with other civic bodies," stressed Major General Mohammed Salem bin Kurdous Al Ameri, Director General of the Civil Defence.
He noted that mandating the establishment of helicopter landings at these high-rises will maximise exit chances and help evacuation operations.
He explained exits at existing high-rises, especially those over 30 storeys, do not facilitate a quick evacuation. Optimising safety measures is essential as high-rises and towers are increasing because of urban growth.
Maj. Gen. Al Ameri said plans are underway to set up more fire stations in Sharjah as safety challenges arise due to the rapid industrial and commercial expansion.
He added that an institute has been established in Al Ain to train civil defence personnel. The training programme will soon include watchmen as well and will be generalised in all emirates.
On whether the federal budget for the Civil Defence Department is enough to address today's safety demands such as natural calamities and fires at industrial areas, Maj. Gen. Al Ameri acknowledged that federal financial support at present is insufficient but hoped it will be increased in future.
The Ministry of Interior is studying a programme to set up a dedicated Civil Defence College in the future to cater to the growing requirements and meet future safety challenges.
On whether Sharjah Civil Defence is catering to safety demands, Col. Ghareeb Shaban, Director of the Sharjah Civil Defence Department, said they need a new premises as the existing one was built in 1970s.
Due to the demands to open new fire stations in other areas of the emirate, a new headquarter could not be constructed. They also find it difficult to reach fires in the city, especially the industrial areas.
Maj. Gen. Al Ameri said the Civil Defence does not have a strong presence on UAE waters. More personnel and equipment are needed to further safeguard ports.
More fire stations are needed in Sharjah following a survey submitted to the Ministry of Interior in 1999. These areas include the city of Sharjah and Central and Eastern regions, Col. Shaban reiterated.
On how soon factories and storage warehouses will be moved to the new industrial area at Saja'a, Col. Shaban said it is part of the civic body's plan.
Col. Shaban called for the support of the Sharjah government and Ministry of Interior to increase personnel and equipment.
He also recommended separating the Civil Defence Department from the Public Utility Development Committee and attach it to the Department of Central Finance or Sharjah Police.
Challenges are enormous and concerted efforts are needed to face them.
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