Key rescue agencies get disaster response equipment

The below article was was printed in the Nation Newspaper of Monday 21st of February. It can also be read with photo at the following site: http://www.nation.sc

Three first responders during an emergency received disaster response equipment recently from the Divisions of Risk and Disaster Management (DRDM).

The Fire and Rescue Services Agency, Seychelles Police and Coast Guard got their equipment during a ceremony at the Department of Environment’s headquarters in the National Botanical Gardens.

The Education Department also received equipment to help it better carry out its emergency response protocols.

Present were the environment principal secretary Didier Dogley and Alain Decomarmond, Director General of Policy, Planning and Risk Management. Paul Labaleine, Director General of Operations, Education and Communication for the DRDM, was also there.

The Fire and Rescue Services Agency received a wide range of equipment including: two portable generators and cables, two water pumps and a chemical protective suit. The agency also received a chainsaw for cutting steel and concrete, loudspeakers and various lighting sets, including spotlights, so work at emergency sites can continue at night.

The police received protective equipment including chemical splash goggles, gas masks and 100 sets of disposable protective clothing. They also got megaphones, spotlights, torches and two sets of night vision goggles.

The coast guard received six iridium satellite phones and four CAPSAT messengers with recharging solar arrays.

The Department of Education received 36 hand-operated sirens and 36 megaphones.

The equipment was all set out for guests to view and inspect, and they could ask questions about its various applications.

Key first responders also got the chance to take part in a workshop where they presented their core needs and equipment shortfalls. All the partners discussed these and identified the core cross-cutting needs to be used to develop a prioritised procurement plan for the Seychelles National Disaster Preparedness and Response Project.