Oman’s Civil Defence and Ambulance Authority (CDAA) has issued safety instructions to people affected by a fire, explosion, or any other incident involving hazardous substances at a chemical plant.
The authority recommends leaving the area immediately exposed to the incident, avoiding smoke and chemical vapor, and obeying orders from emergency officials.
This safety advice helps citizens to know how to act appropriately when an emergency occurs at a chemical industrial facility and reduces the risks.
First, CDAA advises residents to become familiar with the location of doors and emergency exits. In case of an emergency, when a chemical industrial facility releases poisonous gas that requires an evacuation, people should not walk toward the facility but follow the evacuation route instead.
The authority also warned against using elevators during a fire. Residents should not attempt to return to an evacuated or affected location until officials have confirmed that it is safe to do so.Anyone witnessing smoke, flames or other unusual signs associated with a chemical facility is encouraged to report the situation immediately through Oman’s emergency number, 9999.
The public has also been urged to rely on official information and avoid sharing unverified reports that could cause confusion during an emergency.CDAA highlighted the range of responsibilities carried out by its emergency teams during chemical and industrial incidents.
These include receiving and assessing reports, identifying potential hazards, tackling fires, dealing with hazardous substances and carrying out rescue and evacuation operations. Emergency personnel can also secure affected locations and coordinate their response with other relevant authorities to manage the wider risks created by an incident.
The authority stressed that a rapid response from the public, combined with adherence to official instructions, can help reduce threats to both people and property.
For residents living or working near chemical and industrial facilities, the guidance underlines the importance of knowing evacuation procedures before an emergency occurs. Avoiding smoke and chemical vapours, leaving dangerous areas promptly and waiting for official clearance before returning are among the key precautions outlined by CDAA.
