SAHIWAL: Rescue 1122 has started a survey to check safety precautions and firefighting arrangements in private and public buildings across the district.

District Emergency Officer Dr Khalid Abdullah told Dawn that the survey would be conducted by a team comprising six to seven personnel who had been trained in the specific field.

Community Wing In-charge Mr Nasrullah said a list of buildings housing small industrial units had been sought from the Sahiwal Chamber of Commerce and Industry.

“Likewise, the buildings DO has been asked to provide details of public buildings,” he said.

Nasrullah said Rescue 1122 personnel would also visit small bazaars like Sori Gali and Soha Bazaar and monitor shops where fire safety standards were not reportedly met.

“The survey would continue for a month.” He said Rescue 1122 had no authority to seal a structure or stop public entrance to a building if it was ‘dangerous.’

“Rescuers will report to the deputy commissioner who is empowered to seal ‘dangerous’ buildings,” he said.

CARETAKERS BOOKED: The Harrapa police booked two caretakers of as many Imambargahs for not deploying proper security guards.

The station house officer claimed that both caretakers were warned repeatedly about possible threats and were asked to deploy guards at entrance gates.

Police booked caretakers Ghulam Murtaza of 188/9-L and Sarfraz of 189/9-L under the Punjab Security of Vulnerable Establishment Ordinance 2015.

Published in Dawn, March 20th, 2017