Emergency crew ready for Eid in Abu Dhabi

Abu Dhabi: The Abu Dhabi police rescue and ambulance departments, as well as traffic patrol teams, are all geared up to tackle emergencies during the Eid holidays, officials said on Wednesday.

Last year, the government said its central operations room received 3,223 calls to the 999 emergency number during the first and second day of the Eid holidays. The calls were related to traffic emergencies as well as criminal cases.

Lieutenant Colonel Mohammad Al Nuaimi, head of the Quick Intervention team at Abu Dhabi police said: "We have stepped up our preparations to deal with any emergency situations that may arise during Eid celebrations".

"Our aim is to make sure residents enjoy the holidays without any mishaps and tragic incidents," he said.

He urged residents to stay safe both indoors and outdoors. "Drive safely and follow the traffic rules while on the roads to enjoy a happy Eid, free from accidents and tragedies that mar the joy of festivals", he said.

Risks of fire

Beware of the risks of fire while hosting feasts and barbecuing in parks, he added.

He further urged parents to constantly monitor their children to avoid mishaps.

"Families are to blame in most accidents involving children," he said.

Parents must ensure children followed safety regulations at all times while they were at home or outdoors. Children should not be left alone while they were swimming in pools or the sea due to the risk of drowning, he said. They also must be stopped from playing on the street.

"Keep an eye on children so that they do not play with electrical appliances, sharp tools and medicines", he cautioned.

Meanwhile, a traffic police official said that patrol teams would pay special attention to busy streets and areas where families gathered such as malls, parks and beaches.