The Abu Dhabi Emergency, Crisis and Disaster Management Centre has collaborated with strategic partners to guide residents on how to respond to emergency alerts when they are in public spaces and shopping malls. This comes as part of phase two of the #OurCommunityIsPrepared campaign. So, whether you are shopping, driving or are outdoors, here’s what to do if the alerts sound.
Abu Dhabi Gives Guidelines For Emergency Alerts When At Malls
The first few minutes after the alert sounds are quite critical. No matter what you’re doing, whether you’re shopping, driving, or outdoors, it is very important how you act. So, authorities have urged residents to respond immediately. As revealed in a report of the Gulf News, they’ve been asked to follow official instructions and to avoid panic. Moreover, they have revealed how rapid measured actions can reduce risks and protect lives.
What To Do When You’re At The Mall Or Outdoors?
The next question that arises is, what are these guidelines? Well, here’s what to do in different situations.
If you are in the public or outdoors, here’s what to do
- You must remain calm and avoid crowding.
- Make sure to move to the nearest safe building.
- Avoid structures such as billboards, glass surfaces, and poles
- In case there are no shelters available, lie flat and protect your head. After this, cover your nose in dusty or smoking conditions.
What to do if you are in a shopping mall or enclosed space
- In such instances, move to the interior, away from the windows and glass facades.
- Follow the instructions from safety personnel.
- Stay indoors and wait for the official announcements before you plan to leave
- Use the stairs instead of elevators
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Importance Of Being Prepared
Authorities have warned against curiosity, filming incidents or moving into exposed areas. These actions can endanger lives and also hinder emergency response operations. As it happens, I’ve also been asked to never approach touching photographs with projectiles. They’ve instead been asked to report the location and details to authorities immediately so that they can allow the teams to respond safely.
Community awareness, behaviour and the reliance on verified information is paramount for crisis management. After all, with the cooperation of the public, not only are individuals protected, but so are the families.
Cover Image Courtesy: Canva Pro/Nur Kayat from Nur Kayat’s Images (Cover image is for representative purposes only)
FAQs
What should one do if they are at the mall when the emergency alert sounds?
A person must remain calm, move to the interiors and stay away from the windows. They must use stairs instead of elevators and venture out only after confirming with the official announcements.
What to do if the emergency alert sounds and one is outside?
The first thing to do is remain calm, and then move to the safest building that is near you. Additionally, you must avoid poles and other such structures, and if there are no shelters available, make sure to lie flat and protect your head.