“The Civil Defense personnel have always been very professional in their approach and have demonstrated a great degree of courage in the face of fire and accidents,” he said after inaugurating the Saudi Safety and Security 2012 Forum and Exhibition at Dhahran International Exhibitions Center yesterday.

Referring to last year’s accident at a factory in Dammam, he said: “They did a very good job in addressing what was a very difficult situation; they arrived in no time and went about their job in a very professional and methodical way.”

Prince Mohammad said three factors were responsible for their good work. “One, they have the best equipment to meet any eventuality; two, they are very well trained; and three, they are brave men, so much so, that they put their lives at risk to save others,” he said.

The governor advised everyone to pay full heed to the instructions given by the Department of Civil Defense. “This will help reduce accidents; unfortunately, some people and establishments and restaurants refuse to follow the advice of the Civil Defense and then compromise their safety as well as the safety of others in their vicinity,” he said.

Prince Mohammad said all educational institutions have been given instructions to open their doors to Civil Defense personnel in case of accidents and emergency situations. “They should not wait for instructions in such emergencies,” he said.

He warned road construction companies against delaying their projects. “They should finish their work in time to avoid inconvenience to the general public,” he said. “If they fail they will face punitive action.”