ENG-2019 — Page 322

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Public Order

including the Shatin to Central Link, and of alteration, addition and extensive station improvement works for the existing lines.

The Community Emergency Preparedness Division under the Fire Safety Command draws up community emergency preparedness strategies on disaster preparedness, counter-terrorism preparedness, fire safety, community life support and other areas, to raise awareness of emergency preparedness, strengthen the public's response capabilities in case of danger or emergencies such as natural disasters or terrorist attacks, and enhance their knowledge of fire prevention, cardiopulmonary resuscitation and the use of automated external defibrillators.

The Licensing and Certification Command regulates the manufacture, storage, conveyance and use of dangerous goods and takes enforcement action against related offences. In 2019, it issued or renewed 4,376 storage licences for dangerous goods or timber, and 2,034 dangerous goods vehicle licences. The command also works with other law enforcement agencies to combat illicit fuelling. During the year, the Anti-illicit Fuelling Activities Task Force carried out 1,105 inspections and 109 planned operations, handled 116 complaints, seized over 210,000 litres of illicit fuel and instituted prosecution in 111 cases.

The command plays an important role in ensuring building fire safety. It monitors the status of FSIs in buildings, handles complaints and oversees the professional standards of registered FSI contractors. In 2019, the command conducted 47,395 compliance inspections on FSIs in new buildings and developments. It held another 91,602 inspections on existing FSIs, issued 2,734 fire hazard abatement notices against irregularities found and took legal action against 343 owners of defective FSIs and registered FSI contractors for regulatory contraventions.

In addition, the command formulates and enforces fire safety policies for licensed premises and takes enforcement action against fire hazards. It advises licensing authorities on fire protection and carries out fire safety compliance certification relating to the licensing and registration of food premises, places of public entertainment, places of public amusement, converted schools, child care centres, massage establishments, private columbaria, electronic waste disposal facilities, drug treatment and rehabilitation centres and other types of premises. In 2019, it carried out 43,147 inspections of such premises and issued 1,400 fire hazard abatement notices.

Public Liaison

A public liaison group comprising 30 members of the public from different walks of life is appointed annually to encourage public participation in monitoring and improving the department's delivery of fire and ambulance services.

Government Flying Service

The Government Flying Service provides a wide range of flying services, including round-the- clock search and rescue coverage, casualty and medical evacuation, firefighting and support for other government departments.

It has a staff of 234 disciplined and 60 civilian members. In 2019, members flew a total of 6,725 hours, helped in 601 search and rescue operations and took 1,618 people to hospital by

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