Residents here will be safer from fires and rough seas, among other dangers, thanks to a new plan by Dubai Civil Defence (DCD), a top official said.
The DCD has earmarked Dh10 million to double its workforce and deploy the latest technology against fire and coastal hazards, said Major General Rashid Al Matroushi, Director of DCD.
Under the DCD's Strategic Plan 2009-2015, the number of fire-fighters will increase by 260 per cent from 1,300 to 3,500.
“We are not holding back on anything; we will acquire the best equipment at any cost,'' said Al Matroushi.
“We currently have two marine units and we are planning to increase it to five with the growth of Dubai's coast.''
The DCD has adopted the best practices of civil defence forces in the US, Europe and Japan, and modified them to Dubai's particular needs, he added.
“The plan was set in 2007 and divided into four tasks. We have covered the first three and now we are at the implementation process of it.''
Besides residential and commercial buildings in the city, the DCD will also keep a close eye on labour camps.
“We have swept labour accommodations around Dubai and have discovered a lot of violations. The violators have been warned and our strategic plan will ensure that these violations are not repeated.''
