Under Civil Defense's Regulations, issued by Royal Decree No. M/10 on 10.5.1406 H, (20.1.1986) definition, the Civil Defense in Saudi Arabia is a set of measures and actions necessary to protect the population and public and private property from fire hazards, disasters, wars and accidents; it relieves victims, insures safety of transport and communications, operates public utilities and protects sources of national wealth in peacetimes, wartimes and emergencies.
Brief history:
- The first fire brigade was formed in Makkah Al Mukarramah in 1346H. (1926). It was attached to the Public Security Department and was called The Head Department of the Fire Brigade.
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On 15 Rajab 1376H. (23 May 1945), Al Madinah Al Munawwarah Fire Brigade was formed. Two other brigades were later formed in Riyadh and Jeddah.
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In 1380H. (1960), the Head Department of the Fire Brigade, renamed the General Directorate of Fire Brigade, was separated from the Public Security Department and became under the jurisdiction of the Ministry of Interior.
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On 24 Rabi' al-awwal 1385H. (22 July 1965), the Royal Order No. 6858 was issued. In accordance with this order, the General Fire Brigade Department was renamed the General Directorate of Civil Defence.
Civil Defence duties in peacetimes:
- Provide relief to victims during emergencies.
- Train volunteers in Civil Defence activities.
- Draw up and ensure compliance of industrial safety and security regulations.
- Fight fires and implement rescue and first aid operations.
- Set up Civil Defence operation centres and provide design and construction guidance for shelters to ensure that citizens are well protected.
- Train Civil Defence teams in various disciplines and provide them with the necessary equipments.
- Stockpile essential household items to survive emergencies, wars and disasters.
- Plan and implement necessary safety measures to prevent disasters from happening and offer financial aid and other forms of support to victims.
- Use the media to disseminate messages about the objectives and activities the General Civil Defence Department.
- Implement plans to evacuate citizens and provide them with shelter in the event of an emergency.
Civil Defence duties in wartimes:
- Ensure compliance with rules and regulations governing emergency alert systems and air raid warning systems.
- Provide protection against the effects of air raids and destructive weapons.
- Control lighting.
- Control traffic movement.
Sectors of Saudi Civil defence:
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Council of Civil Defense.
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Preparatory Committee of the Council of Civil Defense.
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Local Committees of civil defense.
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General Directorate of Civil Defense.