Maldives National Defence Force (MNDF) has commenced its annual fire prevention week, an awareness drive conducted by its fire and rescue department in anticipation for the upcoming holy month of Ramadan. The drive will be held from 31 January till 7 February.
The fire prevention week is held annually by the MNDF to disseminate important information and safety guidelines on fire prevention in an effective manner.
A special ceremony was held in Aminya School to mark the start of the awareness drive, attended by the Deputy Minister of Defence Fathimath Mizna Ali.
Speaking at the ceremony, The Deputy Minister stated that the initiative is conducted aligned to President Dr Mohamed Muizzu’s vision to build a safe society and revealed that the programme has been expanded to be conduct nationwide, while previous iteration of the initiative was limited to the capital, Male’. She stressed that while institutions are prepared to assist in cases of fire incidents, it’s a civic duty to safeguard oneself from such scenarios.
“Civic duty is the strongest pillar for safeguarding against incidents involving fire. Every citizen should be aware of the safety parameters of his or her environment. The programme commenced today is formulated to make citizens aware of such cases and how to manage them” the Deputy Minister said.
Under this initiative, information will be disseminated on common cases of fire incidents, including those that start from short electric circuits or incidents within the kitchen. Safety protocols and emergency procedures will be provided to participants for such cases, MNDF said. MNDF highlighted that participants will be taught to deal with fire incidents with a assisitive device such as a fire blanked as part of the programme.
As part of this programme, this crucial information will also be provided to schools. In this regard, information sessions are planned for students from Grade 7 Grade 12. School staff and parents are also included in key target groups. The programme also extends to awareness sessions at community spaces.
The programme will be conducted in Aminiya School, Muhiyudheen School, Rehendhi School and Salahuddin School in the Greater Male’ area.
MNDF has conducted fire prevention week since 2012.