Serco Middle East welcomes Dubai Civil Defence’s global fire safety programme

by Featured News

Serco welcomes DCD ‘1 Billion Readiness’ initiative

Serco Middle East has expressed its support for Dubai Civil Defence’s ‘1 Billion Readiness’ programme, a global initiative to educate one billion people on fire prevention and safety by 2027.

The programme, launched under the patronage of H.H. Sheikh Mansoor bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Chairman of Dubai’s Supreme Committee of Crisis and Disaster Management, aims to foster international collaboration across 34 countries and 18 major firefighting organisations. It seeks to enhance global fire safety standards and build more resilient communities.

Teren Tan, Head of Emergency Services for Serco Middle East, commended the programme, stating: “This initiative marks a pivotal moment in global fire safety, not just for governments and public agencies but also for private sector partners like ourselves.”

Technology and cross-sector collaboration

The initiative aims to integrate advanced technology and international partnerships to meet its ambitious goals. According to Tan, tools such as IoT-enabled fire detection systems, AI-powered incident analysis, and virtual reality training are instrumental in transforming emergency response planning.

Tan added: “Tools such as predictive analytics in asset management and emergency response planning can support the data-driven approach emphasised by Dubai Civil Defence’s new platform.”

He highlighted the programme’s potential to unite governments, private organisations, and communities globally, making it more than a fire safety initiative but a movement for resilience.

UAE’s leadership in global safety

Tan described the UAE’s involvement as a demonstration of its commitment to innovation and global safety leadership.

“The UAE sets a powerful precedent by prioritising safety and resilience on a worldwide scale,” said Tan. “This commitment not only elevates fire safety standards but also underscores the UAE’s position as a leader in humanitarian and emergency preparedness efforts.”

A key aspect of the initiative is the Hope Convoys project, which aims to support developing nations with essential fire safety equipment and infrastructure to improve emergency response capabilities.

Serco’s alignment with the programme

Serco’s expertise in emergency services and training aligns with the goals of the ‘1 Billion Readiness’ initiative. The company’s fire and rescue training centres in Dubai and the UK are equipped to deliver advanced simulations and bespoke learning solutions that complement the programme’s objectives.

Tan added: “This initiative proves that collaboration is the key to overcoming the complex challenges of fire safety. Together, we can ignite a culture of preparedness and prevention that transcends borders and saves lives.”

Serco Middle East welcomes Dubai Civil Defence’s global fire safety programme: Summary

Serco Middle East has endorsed Dubai Civil Defence’s ‘1 Billion Readiness’ programme, which aims to educate one billion people on fire safety by 2027. The initiative involves 34 countries and 18 major firefighting organisations and is supported by advanced technologies such as AI and IoT.

Dorset businesses urged to prioritise fire safety in Covid world

by Active

Businesses across Dorset which have had to make changes due to Covid-19 are being urged to make sure fire safety remains a top priority.

The call comes from the National Fire Chiefs Council (NFCC) as many have had to implement new ways of working due to the current pandemic. The NFCC is reminding businesses about the everyday fire risks in the workplace – and there is both a legal and moral responsibility to ensure premises are safe from fire.

Dorset & Wiltshire Fire and Rescue Service (DWFRS) group manager Tim Gray, said: “The last few months have undoubtedly been difficult and challenging for many people and businesses.

“As such, we want to make sure that whilst businesses address the changes needed in response to Covid-19, they remain fire safe in doing so.

“Fire can have a devastating impact on businesses, with many never recovering after an incident.”

The fire service says many businesses had to respond quickly to the pandemic once they were allowed to reopen and while revisiting risk assessments, fire safety may not have been at the forefront of planning.

As part of NFCC’s Business Safety Week, running September 7-13, DWFRS is encouraging business owners and to ensure they review fire risk assessments.

They should also seek guidance and advice to help them keep their premises and occupants safe from fire.

DWFRS says businesses must consider the potential risks that the Covid secure measures, which are required to open some premises, may in some cases, compromise fire safety measures:

  • New screens must not obstruct smoke detection or sprinkler heads
  • Business must have enough trained staff to support evacuation procedures
  • Ensure measures to support social distancing do not impact evacuation procedures, exit doors or the ability of emergency service to help you
  • Protect your business from arson
  • Help your fire service by reducing false alarms – which currently accounts for about 40 per cent of all emergency calls

Mr Gray said: “We are encouraging businesses to firstly review their fire risk assessments, and to contact us for advice should they need any support. Our goal is to keep all businesses working safely.”

www.dwfire.org.uk/business-fire-safety