Sharjah 24: In line with the strategic objectives of the "My City Prepares" committee, dedicated to establishing model cities globally equipped to handle crises and disasters, the Sharjah Prevention and Safety Authority has implemented an innovative training program focused on school safety preparedness.

Designed for educational institutions across Sharjah, the initiative aims to bolster their readiness to effectively respond to emergencies and mitigate risks within the school environment. Collaborating with the Sharjah Civil Defense Authority, the Sharjah Private Education Authority, and the Emirates School Education Foundation, the plan underscores a collective effort towards ensuring a secure and resilient educational landscape.

His Excellency Sheikh Saif bin Muhammad Al Qasimi, Director of the Prevention and Safety Authority, underscores that this endeavor aligns with the vision of His Highness Sheikh Dr. Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Sharjah, to equip the emirate with the necessary resources to confront any potential emergency or disaster. By enhancing the capacities of schools in Sharjah, the training plan aims to empower them to respond swiftly and efficiently to crises while minimizing associated risks.

Engineer Lamia Al Nuaimi, Director of Support Services Department at the Authority and a member of the monitoring committee of the "My City Prepares" initiative, elaborates on the components of the plan. It includes training sessions on facility evacuation in collaboration with Sharjah Civil Defense teams, inspection visits to ensure adherence to safety standards, and introduction of the Sharjah Safety and Occupational Health system for incident reporting. Additionally, awareness sessions conducted via the Safety Bus educate support staff and school guards on approved safety protocols.

This initiative underscores the Authority's commitment to fostering a safe educational environment capable of addressing urgent challenges, while promoting a culture of safety within the educational community. During the first phase, 32 government and private schools were visited, with the second phase slated for completion in the third quarter of 2024, benefitting 700 trainees.

The Authority has actively engaged with government and private schools to encourage enrollment in the Sharjah Safety and Occupational Health system, which provides essential resources and guidance materials to ensure the safety of educational institutions and their occupants. To date, over 150 establishments have registered in the system, reflecting a significant stride towards enhancing safety standards across the educational sector.