TRIBUNE NEWS NETWORK

DOHA CIVIL defence authorities will conduct inspection drives to ensure public safety, especially fire prevention, requirements in buildings are in place and working satisfactorily, a Ministry of Interior (MoI) statement said on Sunday.

The Prevention Department at MoI’s General Directorate of Civil Defence (GDCD) has also urged all public and private institutions, companies and complexes (commercial and residential), as well as hotels, to abide by public safety requirements, especially those related to fire prevention, on their premises.

These requirements include fire alarm, ventilation, fire extinguishing systems and safe emergency exits. The companies and institutions should also train safety and security personnel in evacuation plans, the statement added.

The civil defence authorities concerned will hold surprise and intensive inspection drives to ensure the presence of such systems and their efficiency. They will also initiate due legal action against facilities found violating the safety rules. The penalty may include closure of the facility in case the requirements are not met within “30 days from this announcement”, the statement said.

The GDCD also called upon all stakeholders to join the early warning system by connecting to the operating room of the GDCD and take all necessary measures to protect lives and property of all in the country.

The statement also appealed to the public to contact the General Directorate of Civil Defence on phone (No 44895151) or e-mail (civildefence@moi.gov.qa) in the event of noticing any ‘irregularities or misdeeds’ with regard to violation of safety regulations.