In a world increasingly susceptible to natural disasters and unforeseen threats, building resilient communities becomes not just a practical necessity, but a moral imperative. Alkindy College of Medicine, University of Baghdad, recently took a bold step towards achieving this imperative by hosting a comprehensive workshop titled “Civil Defense and Procedures for Protecting Individuals and Society.” Led by distinguished figures Brigadier General Mohsen Ali, Director of the Fire Department, and Colonel Hani Abdul-Sada, the workshop delved into crucial safety protocols during natural disasters, fires, and epidemics. This initiative transcended immediate safety concerns, aligning itself with several crucial Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and paving the way for a future where preparedness and community well-being go hand in hand.
Attended by Associate Professor Dr. Jamila Ghadban, Administrative Assistant, and a significant contingent of faculty and students, the workshop resonated with its emphasis on safety awareness and safeguarding lives and property. Through engaging video presentations, participants witnessed firsthand the intricacies of civil defense operations, rescue efforts, and preventive measures against diverse threats like COVID-19 and fire hazards.
Brigadier General Ali and Colonel Abdul-Sada then delivered insightful lectures, illuminating the multifaceted role of civil defense. Beyond extinguishing fires, their presentations explored vital functions such as dust mitigation, rescue operations, explosives detection, and humanitarian work. This comprehensive perspective highlighted the critical importance of civil defense in protecting citizens’ lives.
Further enriching the workshop, the Director of the Fire Department and Civil Defense discussed effective fire-fighting techniques, distinguishing between electrical appliance, oil, and solid material fires. He underscored the vital role of readily available fire extinguishers at workplaces, homes, and even vehicles, demonstrating practical usage methods for emergency situations.
Colonel Abdul-Sada further equipped participants with safety measures for navigating disasters and fires within both large and small structures, outlining crucial evacuation procedures and emergency safety protocols. The interactive session culminated in an engaging Q&A session, where faculty and students inquired about fire extinguisher maintenance, lifespan, and performance-influencing factors. This exchange fostered lively discussion and facilitated the valuable exchange of knowledge and expertise in the realm of safety and life preservation.
Alkindy College recognizes the immense value of such initiatives in fostering safety awareness and equipping its community with vital knowledge and skills. By collaborating with experienced civil defense personnel, the college actively promotes disaster preparedness, ensuring the safety of individuals and students both within the institution and beyond.
