Civil defence emphasises safe celebrations during Eid

Dubai: The civil defence has called on members of the public not to overlook the safety aspect during preparations for Eid festivities.

Senior civil defence officials sought to warn that people tended to become careless when they got preoccupied with festivities and such laxity often led to mishaps.

The officials sought to emphasise basic safety steps like keeping children out of the kitchens and not plugging in too many kitchen appliances into a single power outlet.

One senior official said it made sense to keep sharp implements, detergents, pesticides, medicines, matches, lighters and incense burners away from children. He advised that children were to be monitored at all times at play areas, parks, swimming pools and beaches.

Special safety instructions also applied to camping sites, the official said and warned against placing oil-powered generators and lanterns in the vicinity of tents. It also helped if people did not smoke inside tents, he said.

Universities closed for a week

Most universities across the UAE will observe a one-week holiday for Eid Al Fitr, starting September 28.

Several private institutions have, however, chosen to abide by the private sector's decision to close the campuses on September 30. The American University in Dubai, the International Institute for Technology and Management (IITM) in Knowledge Village and the Gulf Medical University in Ajman will close on September 30.

"We have a lot of work and deadlines to stick to; so we will only be taking four or five days off, depending on when the first day of Eid falls," said Shazia Khan, an economics student at IITM.

The Higher Colleges of Technology and other private higher education centres in Dubai and institutions in other emirates, such as Al Hosn University in Abu Dhabi, UAE University in Al Ain, Michigan State University in Ras Al Khaimah, and universities in Dubai International Academic City, will remain closed for the whole week.