Saudi Gazette report RIYADH – Minister of Interior and Chairman of the Supreme Haj Committee Prince Muhammad Bin Naif has approved the general plan for carrying out Civil Defense work in emergency cases during Haj. The objective is to protect the security and safety of pilgrims during the 2013 Haj season. Director of Civil Defense Lt. Gen. Saad Abdullah Al-Tuwaijri said the approval is an extension of the efforts of Prince Muhammad and his close followup of measures to ensure pilgrims' safety and security and his support for the Civil Defense to carry out their responsibilities during the Haj season. He said the Civil Defense plan for this year aims to take all the suitable measures to protect pilgrims and citizens in Makkah, Madinah and the holy sites and provide safety to them from the hazards of accidents, disasters and protection of public and private properties by following the best means through coordination with government authorities to efficiently confront emergencies. He said the plan comprises full preparations for dealing with 13 drills for probable hazards during Haj besides other cases requiring action by the Civil Defense. The plan includes intensifying preventive awareness programs and spreading safety awareness among pilgrims in coordination with the Tawafa establishments and Haj missions. It also includes dealing with any violations threatening the pilgrims' safety.
