These days, terrorism is a reality. Unfortunately, we will have to live with it for a considerable period of time. But as citizens of Lahore, we have to keep an eye on the civic services that are being made available to us by our govt. After all we pay all those taxes and its our right to demand a better civic life from them.

First Aid Kit

It was a pity to see the Marriott Guard trying to extinguish an explosive chemical fire with a CO2 fire Extinguisher. It was even more disturbing to see firefighters trying to throw water from ground to 4th Floor. What is this? 1920′s…. Millions of taxpayer Rupees have been spent on services like 1122 and CDA’s Disaster Management Cell & all we got was broken pumps and dead batteries.

It is time that Rescue Services in Lahore check their batteries and pumps… I don’t know if any of our civil service guys have ever heard about Disaster Preparedness. Here is an excerpt from Red Cross Website

Disaster preparedness refers to measures taken to prepare for and reduce the effects of
disasters. That is, to predict and—where possible—prevent them, mitigate their impact on
vulnerable populations, and respond to and effectively cope with their consequences.
Disaster preparedness is best viewed from a broad perspective and is more appropriately
conceived of as a goal, rather than as a specialised programme or stage that immediately
precedes disaster response.
Disaster preparedness is a continuous and integrated process resulting from a wide range of
activities and resources rather than from a distinct sectoral activity by itself. It requires the
contributions of many different areas—ranging from training and logistics, to health care to
institutional development. Viewed from this broad perspective, disaster preparedness

encompasses the following objectives:

Increasing the efficiency, effectiveness and impact of disaster emergency response
mechanisms at the community, national and Federation level. This includes:

1. The development and regular testing of warning systems (linked to forecasting systems) and plans for evacuation or other measures to be taken during a disaster .
2. Alert period to minimize potential loss of life and physical damage.
3. The education and training of officials and the population at risk.
4. The training of first-aid and emergency response teams.
5. The establishment of emergency response policies, standards, organisational arrangements and operational plans to be followed after a disaster.
6. Strengthening community-based disaster preparedness through National Society pro grammes for the community or through direct support of the community’s own activity. This could include educating, preparing and supporting local populations and communities in their everyday efforts to reduce risks and prepare their own local response mechanisms to address disaster emergency situations.
7. Developing activities that are useful for both addressing everyday risks that communities face and for responding to disaster situations—for example, health, first aid or social welfare pro grammes that have components useful for disaster reduction and response.

I don’t know the correct situation on ground, Still i can bet any amount of money that City District Govt. Lahore is not prepared for any major disaster including terrorism or earthquake.

I seriously wish that someone comes forward and prove that I am wrong and tell me that city is well prepared to deal with any kind of threat… Please!!!! Anyone?

Meanwhile I was thinking about preparing a Emergency Survival kit for my family and myself

1. First Aid Kit
2. Emergency Food And Water Supply
3. Fuel for Generator & Flash Lights
4. Fire Extinguisher
5. A Portable Fire Escape Ladder (for office)
6. A Gun ( To shoot the bomber before it explodes )

There are few more tips on civic survival that I would like to share with you:

• Avoid crowded places ( Large Markets, Airports, Railway stations, Bus Stands etc.)
• Avoid driving closer to Police or Law Enforcing Agency Vehicles (My heart sobs for girls died in Quetta)
• Avoid long conversations on police pickets
• Avoid Dine Inn at Five Star hotels and foreign food outlets
• When inside large buildings make sure you know the escape routes

This might sound funny but it is not. It is dam serious and It is about life and death.

The “War on Terror” just popped out of TV and It is knocking at our doorstep.

Welcome to Zardari’s Pakistan…

May God keep you all and your loved ones safe, I am going for Iftar and Abba is angry as what I am doing on computer at this time… see you guys later..