Dubai Silicon Oasis (DSO) recently organised a fire and evacuation drill in collaboration with Dubai Civil Defence at the Cedre Shopping Centre and the Light Industrial Units to strengthen emergency plans and ensure a smooth and safe evacuation in the eventuality of fire. Hosted for the third consecutive year, the programme involved a role play of an actual fire emergency. Replicating a fire incident, fire trucks and ambulances were also called on scene to offer a realistic experience during the exercise along with Dubai Police and Dubai Ambulance Services to support the evacuation process.

Eng. Khalil Odeh Shalan, Vice President - Operations & Facilities at Dubai Silicon Oasis Authority (DSOA), said, “Ensuring the safety and well being of the community is a key priority for DSO and an extension of our business strategy. Strict rules have been charted to avoid fire incidents.

Nevertheless, we have rolled out the fire drill and evacuation programme to educate the employees and residents at DSO on the significance of following emergency plans and adhering to safety and security measures. The programme also ensures that emergency alerts are quick and responsive.”

DSO commenced the fire drill programme in 2010. The first activity, held at DSOA’s headquarters lasted for over three hours and attracted more than 2,000 tenants and DSOA employees. The following year the safety and readiness at ‘High Bay’ and ‘Technopoint’ were put to test.