The Sharjah Civil Defence Authority has called upon school administrations, teaching staff, parents and students to intensify adherence to fire safety and prevention standards as the 2026-2027 academic year gets underway. According to the authority, institutions must verify that fire alarms, suppression systems and extinguishers are fully functional through regular inspections and upkeep. Emergency exits, designated evacuation paths and all corridors require continuous clearance to facilitate unimpeded movement in the event of an emergency.
Brigadier Yousef Obaid Harmoul Al Shamsi, Director General of the Sharjah Civil Defence Authority, emphasised the priority of safety within educational settings. “With the start of in-person classes, we wish our students days filled with success and excellence,” Al Shamsi said. “Adhering to safety guidelines inside classrooms and across school facilities is a fundamental pillar in protecting them.”
The authority instructed that any safety issues must be resolved promptly and that no fire protection gear should be obstructed, disabled or covered in any way. Schools need to promote the correct utilisation of electrical devices by avoiding overloaded sockets and discarding compromised wiring or items that display signs of excessive heat. Flammable materials demand secure storage well removed from potential ignition points such as heaters or electrical outlets, the authority advised.
Evacuation strategies received particular attention in the guidance, with requirements for schools to update their plans and ensure that all staff and pupils can identify exits, routes and gathering locations. The authority recommended frequent practice drills to confirm appropriate responses when alarms activate, including orderly departure without rushing and remaining at assembly points until authorised to return. Educators should focus on building safety consciousness among learners and stand prepared to offer guided aid to those needing extra support during crises.
Students received directives not to interfere with safety apparatus including alarms and extinguishers while being encouraged to alert teachers or supervisors right away if they notice smoke, burning smells or other warning signs. This initiative aligns with Sharjah Police preparations for the school year, as the force detailed in an August 21, 2026, announcement its comprehensive traffic, awareness and inspection program targeting areas around educational facilities. The police plan incorporates increased patrols, bus compliance checks and community outreach to promote overall student security.
In a related development, the Sharjah Civil Defence Authority had partnered with the National Fire Protection Association earlier in 2026 to elevate fire and life safety across the emirate, an agreement that a joint statement described as aimed at improving standards and training. Comparable back-to-school safety drives have occurred in Abu Dhabi, where the local civil defence authority initiated a campaign in 2025 that reached students from kindergarten through secondary levels with messages on evacuation, electrical safety and emergency response. Such programs across the UAE, according to various authority reports, seek to cultivate a pervasive culture of prevention in schools.
