The Federal Capital Territory Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) says it has reduced its emergency Response time from five to three minutes to reduce casualties and save lives and properties.

Mrs Florence Wenegieme, Director, Forecasting, Response and Mitigation, FEMA, made this known during a sensitisation campaign to commemorate the 2023 International Day for Disaster Risk Reduction in Abuja on Tuesday.

NAN reports that the sensitisation was carried out at Bwari Area Council Secretariat, Abuja and the Palace of Esu Sa-Bwaya of Bwari (the Chief of Bwari), Ibrahim Yaro.

The sensitisation with the theme, “Fighting Inequality for a Resilient Future for All” began on October 4 across the six Area Councils of the FCT.

Wenegieme explained that the three minutes response time became faceable after training community structures to serve as first respondents to emergencies in their various communities.

She identified the community structures as local divers, emergency vanguards, disaster marshals, town criers, volunteers and other structures like youth and women groups.

According to her, the community structures have been adequately trained on emergency response through drills and simulations to equip them with the needed knowledge and skills.

The director added that FEMA had equally procured power bikes for the agency officials to navigate the Abuja traffic and reach the emergency scene within three minutes.

“Community members are usually the first respondents to an emergency because it happens within their community.

“They have been adequately trained to know exactly what to do during emergencies and rescue operations before FEMA officials arrive.

“This quick response will ensure that more lives and properties are saved,” she added.