Riyadh’s Civil Defense department has called on citizens and residents to be careful and follow safety instructions during the school spring break, usually enjoyed by picnicking at public parks, recreational cities and local and overseas tours.

Civil Defense Directorate’s spokesman Maj. Mohammed Al-Hammad said that it is good for those who are going out of their homes for a holiday to tell their relatives of their destination so they can be reached in case of an emergency.

“They should also choose right local places for their family holidays and keep away from risky areas, valleys and low-lying areas because of the inclement weather,” Al-Hammad said.

Moreover, the spokesman affirmed the need to adhere to safety instructions in homes, and take every necessary action to prevent hazards in homes like avoiding overloading electrical connections, switching off electrical apparatus and locking homes properly to avoid thefts.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs advised citizens to take maximum precaution when traveling abroad to keep their travel documents safely and close with them, so as to avoid unwanted problems.

Those traveling to Turkey for a visit should have have valid passports for a minimum period of six months.

Shameel Hameed, a leading travel agent in the capital, said that most citizens were traveling to Dubai for their children’s spring holidays. Other popular destinations for family holidays include Malaysia and Turkey, while flights to Dubai are usually overbooked during that week, Hameed stated.

Beginning Sunday, Riyadh roads are witnessing less traffic during this week since most of the families have fled to other destinations, even if they are local.

A good number of local and residents have also found their way to the two holy cities of Makkah and Madinah to perform Umrah and visit the Prophet’s Mosque respectively.

Rural tourism farms in the Riyadh province which were granted membership to the agro-tourism program by SCTA branch in Riyadh are all geared up to receive throngs of visitors and tourists during spring break.

The SCTA branch in Riyadh has of late granted “Rural and Agro-Tourism” membership to a number of farms across the Riyadh province, including Al-Kharj, Al-Ghat, Al Majm’a, Al-Muzahmia, Dairab and Wadi Al-Dawasir.