Preparation needed for disasters

A reader calls for beter preparedness for natural disasters. Other topics: out-of-work mothers, work experience, bullying

A reader calls for better preparedness for natural disaster. Christopher Pike / The National

For some people dealing with natural disasters is normal, while for others it could be traumatic (Review of building rules in Abu Dhabi after storm, March 14).

In the Caribbean where I lived, it is usual to prepare for the hurricane season each year. In fact, I recall my days of leading the company’s disaster management plan and working closely with national authorities.

Certainly that type of weather is not normal in this country and it’s understandable that the infrastructure was not designed for such storms.

What is essential is the management of such events before, during and after. However, prevention is better than cure and I assume that the necessary work will be carried out to prevent similar property damage in the future.

For example, in the pre-incident phase inclement weather should be monitored very carefully by the met office and reported to the office responsible for disaster management. In some cases, and based on the forecasts, the authorities will have to inform the public to take preventive measures to secure life and property.

The authorities will also have to identify the flood-prone areas so that an advanced warning can be issued to residents of those areas through the mobile network, radio and social media.

Randall Mohammed, Dubai

Opportunities few for mothers

The UAE undoubtedly has a pool of talented and capable individuals who would not shy away from challenges (Out-of-work mothers 'one of UAE's biggest untapped resources', March 14). However, many of these skilled and qualified candidates are unable to contribute to the workforce or earn a living due to the lack of part-time opportunities.

While the job market isn’t doing well these days, the issue arises when companies hire their staff from foreign countries instead of promoting local talent and giving residents a fair chance to make a career.

Name withheld by request

Children need work experience

Children should get the opportunity to work (Our children need early job experience, March 14). That will make them think twice before spending so much in shopping malls. Let them learn where the money comes from.

Carla Botha, US

I have never understood why expatriate teens are not allowed to work part time here.

Jean Francoise Ng Lewis, Dubai

Volunteering may be an option. This is a common option for those in North America and Europe. If it is not possible to volunteer in one’s intended field of study, one can do it in another area and still learn a work ethic, as well as a letter of recommendation.

BC Meegan, Dubai

It’s sad that relatively affluent expatriates want to deprive the poorest of the only type of jobs available for them, just because their children “need early job experience”. Well, nobody cares what their children need. Service jobs are meant for the poor people.

Vala Chekhomova, Bahrain

Do more to curb bullying

Thank you for the article School bullies and the damage they do to adults (March 13). Please allow me to add that bullying still happens in many schools.

I am an education consultant and I visit schools on a regular basis. I know that bullying is prevalent among children as small as grade 4 and it is not only limited to pranks or name-calling, but goes as far as damaging personal belongings, inflicting physical injury and even sexual harassment, especially among young boys. This is why Adec requires schools to install CCTV in every nook for students’ safety.

What Adec inspections fail to detect is that in some schools such incidents are not dealt with properly.

I personally suggest further investigations and more articles to raise awareness on this issue. We need to do more to ensure children’s safety and curb bullying.

Name withheld by request