INSTRUCTIONS on how people in Bahrain prepare themselves for an emergency have been released by the National Civil Protection Platform (NCPP).
The portal was launched over the weekend by Interior Minister General Shaikh Rashid bin Abdulla Al Khalifa, aimed at educating and preparing the public for different emergency scenarios, including exposure from radiation and a dirty bomb.
The strategic objective of the new roadmap for emergency preparedness is to educate the public about a unified protocol of risk mitigation programmes.
The NCPP, which promotes a culture of security in society, is accessible to all citizens and residents.
A series of infographics posted on www.ncpp.gov.bh provide detailed and vital information in English and Arabic.
Steps to be followed to protect oneself in case of radioactive exposure include carefully removing the outer layer of clothing and placing it in a bag away from pedestrians and pets.
In case of exposure, individuals are urged to use a damp cloth or towel to wipe the uncovered parts of the body, especially face and hands, or wash with soap or shampoo but not to use conditioner because that can make radioactive substances stick to hair.
In case of pregnant women, the abdomen partially protects the foetus from radiation outside the body, according to the guidelines.
“However, if a pregnant woman swallows or breathes in radioactive materials, these may be absorbed into the bloodstream.”
The contamination can pass from a woman’s blood through the umbilical cord to the foetus which could lead to serious health complications such as a miscarriage, growth issues and cancer.
In the event of a radiation leak in their area, people must immediately enter the building along with their pets, if any, and close all windows and doors.
“Turn off fans, air conditioners and heating units that bring in air from outside,” state the guidelines.
In case of a dirty bomb – which is a mixture of explosives, radioactive powder and bullets – the major risk comes from the explosion and not from radiation, as people close by could be injured by pieces of the bomb; people are urged to stay indoors.
An infographic dedicated to improvised nuclear device explosion warns that once the mushroom-shaped clouds cool off they turn into falling dust that contaminates anything that it falls onto.
Other instructions posted on the website relate to safety measures to be taken in case of a fire, an earthquake or flooding.
The NCPP, which is updated daily, was launched based on a national survey conducted last year featuring more than 13,000 community members. The prime finding of this was the importance of safety awareness.
It covers a wide range of topics including protocols to follow when sirens are heard, lists emergency supplies and highlights the importance of financial readiness and insurance, as reported in the GDN.
It also lays out details of a ‘safe room’ specification in every home where the family can take shelter in case of an emergency. The room on the ground floor should be in the middle of the house with easy access and have enough space to store food and materials, while windows should have fire-resistant glass and metal frames with edges tightly sealed.
The Interior Ministry’s media and security culture director-general Brigadier Mohammed Bin Daina asserted that the NCPP represents a turning point in security awareness and constitutes a well-studied approach.
He revealed that more than 300 individuals applied for the Civil Defence volunteer project since the platform’s launch on Friday.
The official pointed out that many advanced countries had launched similar awareness platforms.
Other procedures listed on the website include: Saving money for emergencies, securing important documents and downloading electronic copies, having a basic emergency kit in a plastic box or a duffel bag, a battery-operated radio, extra batteries, wet wipes, canned food and plastic covers or tape for securing.
The advisory also urges people to stock baby food, diapers and other supplies including female hygiene items and medicines such as painkillers, antacids and anti-diarrhoeal drug.
&uuid=(email))