“We’ll make use of all available modern technology and facilities to carry out rescue operations,” the Civil Defense chief said. A number of Civil Defense officers including pilots and technicians have been sent to the United States, Britain, New Zealand and Australia to receive advanced training.
“This training will support our plan to introduce helicopters throughout the Kingdom,” Al-Tuwaijeri told reporters after attending a graduation ceremony at the department’s training center in the Eastern Province.
He said a study conducted by the department has found 18 dangerous spots in various parts of the Kingdom. “We’ll present the outcome of this study to Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Abdullah after it has been approved by the interior minister.”
He also disclosed that a new law would soon be passed to regulate the activities of volunteers. A large number of volunteers, who include women, currently cooperate with the department, he said, adding that they work in the medical, engineering, mechanical and electrical fields. He said women volunteers, including teachers, have been given special training, especially in firefighting and rescue work.
“We have been successful in enhancing safety awareness among teachers and students,” he said, emphasizing the need to replace rented school buildings with buildings that are constructed in line with the Kingdom’s safety regulations.
Al-Tuwaijeri said his department would establish 200 new centers in different parts of the Kingdom in order to expand its services. “Specialized companies have already started building them in line with the best standards,” he said, adding that they would be provided with advanced firefighting and rescue equipment.
