PUBLIC ORDER
acquired to improve efficiency in handling injured persons in multiple-casualty incidents.
Communication
The Fire Services Communication Centre, manned round the clock, is responsible for mobilising all fire-fighting and ambulance resources and receiving complaints about fire hazards and dangerous goods. It also acts as an emergency co-ordinator for other government departments and public utilities in major incidents.
The centre is equipped with a computerised mobilising system and other telecommunication sub-systems which together form an integrated whole known as the Second Generation Mobilising System (SGMS). With regular enhancement, the SGMS has been functioning efficiently and effectively for more than a decade in meeting the target resource dispatch time.
In order to meet the forecast growth of emergency calls over the next decade, a $440 million Third Generation Mobilising System (TGMS) is being developed. The contract for the design, implementation and commissioning of the TGMS was awarded in March. The new system, expected to be commissioned by the end of 2003, will adopt state-of-the-art technology and have a larger capacity that will enhance the department's capability and efficiency in mobilisation and communication.
Fire Safety
The department formulates and enforces fire safety policies and regulations. It also helps and advises the public on fire protection measures and the abatement of fire hazards. The department places great emphasis on public education in fire prevention.
The Community Relations Division is responsible for enhancing the public's knowledge of fire safety and co-ordinating with other government departments and district fire safety committees in stepping up fire prevention publicity in the community. To further enhance the fire safety awareness of members of the public at district level, local fire stations have taken up fire prevention publicity activities such as organising fire safety talks, seminars and fire drills since April. In 2001, 2 250 fire drills at various locations and 5 118 fire safety talks and seminars were conducted for various sectors of the community.
The Commercial Buildings and Premises Division enforces the Fire Safety (Commercial Premises) Ordinance to upgrade the fire safety measures of specified commercial buildings and prescribed commercial premises. The Director of Buildings administers a Building Safety Loan Scheme which provides non-means tested loans to individual owners requiring financial assistance in carrying out building safety including fire safety improvement works, either on a voluntary basis or as required by law. Owners are required to pay interest calculated in accordance with the no-gain. no-loss principle. Those facing hardship, such as the elderly or people with very low income, may apply for interest-free loans and longer repayment periods.
The Building Improvement and Support Division is making preparations for the implementation of the Fire Safety (Buildings) Bill once the legislation has been passed by the Legislative Council. The purpose of the bill is to upgrade the fire safety standards of old composite and domestic buildings. A 'Building Fire Safety Enforcement Force' was established by the department in April to institute.
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