MAKKAH — The Civil Defense is all set to tackle the millions of faithfuls thronging the Grand Mosque during the last ten days of the holy month of Ramadan. Makkah Civil Defense Director Maj. Gen. Salim Al-Matrafi said during this period priority will be accorded to the safety and security of the pilgrims at the Grand Mosque. “We have the latest security technology and our emergency and crises plans are comprehensive. We have increased the number of officers on duty and the number of security checkpoints around the mosque,” said Al-Matrafi. He also said Civil Defense officers are also stationed at highway roads and tunnels. “The Civil Defense will even be present near the expansion projects and construction works in the city. The Red Crescent and firefighting departments are ready. We will transport pilgrims with health problems in the mosque on motorcycles. This is the most efficient and navigable mode of transportation amidst the condensed crowd,” said Al-Matrafi. He added the Civil Defense motorcycles are not ordinary bikes as they are equipped with a light-weight firehose and other necessary and compact equipment. “We even increased the number of operation rooms receiving and designating emergency cases. We have several emergency rooms in a number of hospitals ready to receive cases brought in by the Red Crescent,” said Al-Matrafi. He added the Civil Defense has also been raising awareness among the pilgrims on the safety and security protocols of the Grand Mosque. “We have plasma screens installed at various locations in and outside the Grand Mosque. We are also giving out flyers and putting up billboards in various languages. During the final 10 days of Ramadan, we will organize the pilgrims' visits to the Grand Mosque via text messages to control and manage the anticipated crowd,” said Al-Matrafi. He added the emergency and crises management plan for Ramadan 2015 is highly dependent on the latest information and communication technology.
