From Civilians to Lifesavers : Ordinary citizens prepare for disaster duty

TDT | Manama

Email : editor@newsofbahrain.com

The General Directorate of Civil Defence has launched the third phase of its foundational volunteer programme, turning everyday citizens into trained responders ready to assist in emergencies and disasters.

The initiative, part of the Interior Ministry’s strategy to strengthen community partnership and reinforce Bahrain’s civil protection system, aims to prepare support teams equipped with the skills and readiness to contribute effectively to national response efforts.

Brigadier Ali Mohammed Al Kubaisi, Director General of the Civil Defence, said the volunteering programme reflects the approach of the Interior Ministry, led by General Shaikh Rashid bin Abdullah Al Khalifa, the Minister of Interior and Chairman of the Civil Defence Council, in making community partnership a central pillar of public safety.

He stressed that integrating volunteers into the Civil Defence framework adds valuable capacity, raising the efficiency and preparedness of the national emergency response for various situations.

Building Resilience
Brigadier Al Kubaisi added that the programme embodies national solidarity and translates the ministry’s strategy to create an aware and cooperative society capable of supporting authorities in safeguarding Bahrain’s security and stability.

The current phase includes theoretical and practical courses such as first aid, firefighting, safe evacuation, hazardous materials handling, and both physical and mental preparedness training.

He said these efforts are aimed at ensuring volunteers can play a decisive role when the country faces emergencies, making them an integral part of Bahrain’s broader safety net.