FEMA Ready To Achieve Three Minutes Emergency Response Time
By: Prudence Okonna
As part of efforts to respond in record time of three minutes from its usual five minutes response time, FCT Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has secured a two power bikes to meet with up with the urgency of response to emergencies in the Nation’s Capital.
Director of Forecasting, Response and Mitigation, FEMA, Florence Wenegieme, revealed this when FEMA made its final stop at Bwari Area Council in continuation of the sensitization campaign to mark the International Day of Disaster Risk Reduction 2023, Tuesday, Abuja.
Wenegieme disclosed that overtime, responding to emergencies in three minutes had become a herculean task due to several challenges especially disruptions from other motorists.
She revealed that responding to emergencies in five minutes or above is now outdated; adding that with the Power Bikes the response team are able to move in record time by clearing the way for the ambulance and other emergency vehicles to move. Adding that by dialing the toll free emergency line 112, the help is readily available to everyone in the FCT
The Director also hinted that to equip its volunteers, vanguards, and local divers across all the six Area Councils, the Agency has continued to train them through the simulation exercise and drills to enable them carry out emergency rescue operations in their various communities.
Speaking during FEMA’s visit to his palace, the Traditional ruler of Bwari, Esu of Bwari, Ibrahim Yaro, lamented the challenges stemming from wrong environmental practices by community members and therefore, charged district and community heads to disseminate the message to their subjects.
Meanwhile, Secretary, Bwari Area Council, Ela Peter, has said that as part of efforts to reduce hazards capable of culminating into disasters such as floods, the Area Council has started constructing more drainages across different communities.
Peter revealed that to align with FEMA’s resolve to ensure that emergencies are responded to; the Council has inaugurated its local emergency committee comprising Directors of the relevant departments in the secretariat.
He lauded the efforts of FEMA to ensure that adequate sensitization reaches its grassroot communities.
The visit to Bwari Area council brings to an end FEMA’s sensitization campaign visits to all the area councils in the FCT with an event on Friday 13th October, to climax the commemoration of the International Day of Disaster Risk Reduction 2023.
