Oman’s Civil Defence and Ambulance Authority (CDAA) has urged residents to take immediate precautions if a fire or explosion occurs at a nearby chemical facility, including moving away from the affected area and avoiding smoke or chemical vapours.
The safety guidance, issued on Monday, August 10, outlines steps residents should follow during an incident involving hazardous materials. The authority stressed that prompt action and compliance with official instructions can help reduce risks to people and property.
Residents have been advised to follow evacuation directions from authorities and use designated evacuation routes. They should know the location of emergency exits in advance and remain calm during an evacuation.
Elevators should not be used during a fire, while people must not return to an affected site until authorities provide official clearance.
The CDAA also instructed the public to report fires, smoke or other unusual signs immediately through Oman’s emergency number, 9999. At the same time, residents were urged not to approach areas affected by smoke or chemical vapours, where exposure could pose additional hazards.
The authority said its responsibilities during such incidents include receiving and assessing emergency reports, evaluating risks, fighting fires and dealing with hazardous materials. Its teams may also conduct rescue and evacuation operations, secure affected locations and coordinate response efforts with other relevant authorities.
The CDAA called on residents to rely on official safety instructions and avoid sharing information that has not been verified by authorities. The warning comes as part of efforts to ensure that members of the public know how to respond when industrial or chemical emergencies occur.
By following evacuation orders, keeping away from hazardous substances and reporting incidents without delay, residents can support emergency teams and reduce potential exposure to dangerous conditions.
