The Advisory Committee of the Middle East and North Africa region emanating from the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) discussed unifying of efforts and providing fire safety requirements, at a meeting at the Ritz-Carlton Hotel in Abu Dhabi.
Brigadier Mohammed Abdullah Al Nuaimi, Director General of Fire and Protection Affairs at the General Directorate of Civil Defense, who chaired the meeting, said that the meeting aims to transfer the knowledge of the members and experts in NFPA, keep abreast of developments in the field of civil defense and to benefit from them in developing and improving performance. The meeting also aims to enhance cooperation in training and scientific research and fire protection to save lives.
He said the meeting focused on unifying efforts to provide fire safety requirements and protect property and occupants of buildings from fire and smoke in new and existing buildings.
Jim Pauley President and Chief Executive Officer of the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), stressed the importance of raising the level of protection when applying buildings requirements, and helping rescue and firefighters identify the hazards they may be exposed to during the first moments in an emergency response.
He referred to the importance of transferring experiences in areas of training, awareness programs, risks assessment, alerting the respondents and providing them with the necessary information in case of emergencies. He pointed out that NFPA will study the recommendations of the Advisory Committee and evaluate the information gathered from the meeting in order to set a clear path that aims to develop and enhance the safety of life in the region.
The committee discussed opportunities to strengthen cooperation between countries in the fields of training, scientific research, protection and firefighting, preparing studies and exchanging information and experiences, and studying the modern technical specifications that must be provided in civil defense equipment and mechanisms.
The meeting stressed the need to exchange delegations among the member countries, and organize programs and training courses for civil defense personnel in those countries, including the UAE to raise the capacity of human cadres in the fields of dealing with fire accidents and civil protection.