Unsafe hotels housing Umrah pilgrims may have their power cut and residents evacuated. This was the warning from Lt. Col. Abdullah Eid Al-Qurashi, Director of the Safety Department at Makkah Civil Defense. Penalties will be “commensurate with the gravity of the violations,” Al-Watan Arabic daily quoted the official as saying. Al-Qurashi, according to the report, said Civil Defense teams have inspected 445 Umrah-licensed buildings and hotels since the beginning of Ramadan. Since the beginning of the year, the Civil Defense has covered 7,600 establishments including hotels, commercial centers, restaurants, gas stations, warehouses, furnished apartments, wedding halls and health centers. Over 160 safety violations were found and action was taken against violators before the onset of the holy month of Ramadan. He said a total of 250 police officers and Civil Defense personnel inspect alarm systems, emergency exits, fire extinguishers and staff readiness. To monitor safety measures, the Safety Department studies the architecture and designs of building before and during construction. “Residential buildings and towers are connected to the Civil Defense's Operations Room which will detect any danger and respond immediately. “Moreover, the Civil Defense conducts drills to improve the performance of staff and their ability to respond quickly to emergencies,” he said. Al-Qurashi commended the role played by the committee in charge of residential buildings to ensure compliance with safety standards. During the coming Haj season, Civil Defense will ensure that all housing units of the pilgrims adhere to the set regulations, he added.
