Fire Directorate & EQUATE launch Stay Safe Desert Campaign

Kuwait Fire Safety Directorate (KFSD) and EQUATE Petrochemical Company, Kuwait’s first international joint-venture in this industry, launched Stay Safe in the desert campaign for the overall safety and security of desert campers.

This is the second year KFSD and EQUATE have launched this campaign.

KFSD Director of Public Relations & Media Colonel Khalil Al-Amir said, “After the success witnessed during 2015, this is the second time we launch this campaign with EQUATE. Figures issued by KFSD for camping season 2013-2014 noted a 50% decrease in camping accidents when compared with previous years, which shows that we are going in the right direction. Most camping accidents are caused by heating sources, from kerosene, coal and oil, which brings the need for overall awareness to achieve the desired results.”

Al-Amir urged parents to closely observe their children at camps, keep them away from fire sources and educate them about dangers associated with fires, noting that motor biking accidents increase during this time of year due to not wearing proper safety equipment, reckless driving and re-fueling while close to heat sources.

EQUATE Environment, Health & Safety (EH&S) Leader Mohammad Al-Shamary said, “Overall integrated cooperation between KFSD and EQUATE is a true example of our slogan ‘Partners in Success. Previously, together we have launched partnerships relevant to Firemen Day, international training courses, Safety at Every Home Campaign (Safe) and the desert safety campaign that is being continued right now. The current campaign addresses general safety guidelines, safe locations for camping, observing safety when setting up tents and sitting or sleeping in them, the importance of having a fire extinguisher, calling 112 in case of emergency, as well as other applicable recommendations to address all aspects of EH&S as strategic objectives for EQUATE to ensure overall sustainability.”

The campaign’s launch was attended by a number of officials and attendees from KFSD and EQUATE who conducted visits to a number of camps. The visits included sharing advice for safe camping, handing-out safety booklets and distributing fire extinguishers. The visits will continue during this four-week campaign.

Throughout the years, EQUATE has received local and international recognition for its role in safety fields, such as the Kuwait Petroleum Corporation (KPC) CEO Award and the awards of the American Society of Safety Engineers (ASSE) in several sectors.