Tuesday : 31 August 2010 :

ADP urges all community members and families to protect their children from firecracker risks

Colonel Humaid Saeed Al Afreet, Director of Firearms and Explosives Department at ADP Directorate General of Security and Outlets Affairs ahs urged community members to intensify their efforts in protecting their children against the use of firecrackers, especially during Eid period when some parents shut their eyes on children and teen agers practices.

He has also urged community members to cooperate with the Department of Security Media campaigns regarding awareness about the dangers of firecrackers and communication with "Aman" Service through the toll free phone number (8002626) or sending SMS to (2828), under the slogan "Aman means confidentiality and safety".

He indicated the importance of educating the public on the dangers of firecrackers, especially after the happening of a number of incidents including the death of a small girl in Dubai.

"Playing with firecrackers some time entails permanent disability on children or their body. Sometimes crackers lead to fires which involve human injuries, financial losses, waste of police time and efforts especially ambulance and rescue men in matters which could have been avoided, through care and education. Some time the loud noise of firecrackers lead to fear and psychological effects on children", added Al Afreet.

'ADP has given the issue of educating the public on the risks of firecrackers great attention. Some years ago the Department of Firearms and Explosives organized intensified awareness campaigns under the slogan (Their safety is our Eid), in addition to inspection campaigns in cooperation with CID at stores where firecrackers were sold. This resulted in reduction of firecrackers accidents. The campaigns also assisted in awareness aspects where some people reported the stores which sell these items", added Al Afreet.

Al Afreet has lauded the cooperation of many sectors in the Emirate who have contributed to the reduction of the problem to a great extent, except small cases which awareness programmes are being conducted against them.

He has affirmed the Department keenness to organize lectures educating the people on the risks and dangers of firecrackers at schools. Abu Dhabi Educational Zone has played a crucial role in the success of these programmes of awareness.

 Cadre