Dubai: Residents who find their emergency exits blocked should report to authorities so action could be taken, officials said.
Captain Taher Hassan Mohammed Ali, director of Inspections and Licence Section in Precaution Safety in Dubai Civil Defence (DCD), told Gulf News that residents can inform DCD about any materials blocking the stairs and emergency exits in residential buildings in Dubai.
“Residents must be careful and must not put blocks or materials like bags or bicycles on stairs and emergency exits because they would block the way in case of emergencies like fires. Any blockage can delay the evacuation process in the building. Any delay poses great risks to residents as people left inside a burning building could suffocate,” Captain Taher told Gulf News.
Residents who see violators can visit their nearest fire station to file a complaint. Experts will then check the issue and decide.
DCD said they issue warnings to people who violate the regulation and block the stairs or emergency exits. But if the offence is repeated, they will issue a second warning with a fine ranging from Dh5,000 to Dh30,000, depending on the risks caused by blocking the way.
If the person committed the violation for the third time, the civil defence will refer the matter to Dubai Public Prosecution to take the necessary procedure.
