Saudi Aramco, in cooperation with the Civil Defense department, launched on Wednesday the Fair Safety Awareness Campaign 2015 under the title “The Maze,” to spread awareness about the precautions needed during a fire incident and the importance of fire security systems at homes. The fair will continue until March 25 at the Arab Mall in Jeddah.

According to Saudi Aramco, almost 3,000 accidents happen every year because of fire, with 7,915 fire accidents caused by children and around 10,453 fire hazard incidents happen because of short circuits, while over SR210,000,000 is spent each year on accidents caused by fire.

Brig. Salem Mautrofi, from the Civil Defense department, appreciated the efforts of Aramco and said they brought the reality in front of the public to let them know how to stay protected in case of a fire incident. Mautrofi said they are confident that the campaign will have positive impact on the society, as there is no doubt the risks are very real.

He further stressed it is very important that people should know how to take care of themselves in any such incident, because time is a crucial factor in fire accidents. “It is important we are ready and prepared to take safety measures in such situations, so it won’t lead to more accidents. It is crucial that fire alarms or fire extinguishers are available in the apartments and there should be no random electrical wiring and electrical appliances, while kids should be watched and kept away from flammable materials,” he said.

These incidents, Mautrofi pointed out, leave their physiological marks and social cost. Civil Defense hopes this campaign will prepare everyone to be ready to fight in such situations. He also said the official authorities are doing their jobs in raising awareness but it is also the community’s responsibility to play their role in the dissemination of a culture of safety.

“All of you are responsible, even in schools teachers should give safety and security education and spread the culture of safety,” he emphasized.

The programs start from 5 in the afternoon until 11 in the evening at the Arab Mall, with the campaign showing six rooms that represent different situations, such as living room, class room, kitchen, wedding hall and the last room where users will be shown how to fight and stay calm in a fire situation.