Wednesday 17 / April / 2024
Muscat: Haj travellers are being given fire safety advice by the Public Authority for Civil Defence and Ambulance (PACDA) ahead of the annual pilgrimage.
Fires can break out anytime, whether due to a faulty electrical wire, by pure accident or as a result of a bad decision. Therefore, PACDA has advised pilgrims to take preventative measures to avoid being harmed or worse during a fire outbreak.
“You have to know the exits and entrances to the campsites and accommodations, as well as the location of fire extinguishers,” said PACDA. “You have to remain calm and collected if a fire breaks out,” added PACDA. Pilgrims have also been asked to not use open flames, such as candles as a source of light inside their tents and use battery operated light sources instead, such as lanterns and flashlights.
Electrical connections
“Make sure gas canisters are closed after you’re done cooking at your accommodation and always prepare your food in the designated kitchens,” advised PACDA.
The pilgrims have also been asked to check electrical connections inside their tents to avoid accidental electrical fire outbreaks. They are required to sound the alarm in case of a fire outbreak and warn others to head to safety.
PACDA also elucidated on the proper way to one should act during a fire, “When you hear the fire alarm, move to the nearest emergency exit. Be sure not to cause any congestion or friction among others by pushing or being physically aggressive.”
“You should describe the location of the place and not hang up the phone until you have given a complete report. If an electrical object is the source of the fire, the main line supplying the electricity must be switched off.”
In case of an emergency, pilgrims are required to call the Saudi Civil Defence service at 998. They are required to sound the alarm in case of a fire outbreak and warn others to head to safety.
PACDA also elucidated on the proper way to one should act during a fire, “When you hear the fire alarm, move to the nearest emergency exit. Be sure not to cause any congestion or friction among others by pushing or being physically aggressive.”
“You should describe the location of the place and not hang up the phone until you have given a complete report. If an electrical object is the source of the fire, the main line supplying the electricity must be switched off.”
In case of an emergency, pilgrims are required to call the Saudi Civil Defence service at 998.
