SCDA eases burdens on families affected by fires

Sharjah Civil Defence Authority (SCDA) has launched a "Damage Status Proof Certificate," a proactive service that allows those affected by fires erupting in houses and residential units to obtain an approved digital certificate immediately after the fire brigade finishes extinguishing the fire.

Issued automatically and free of charge, the certificate reaches the affected person via text message and email without the need to submit a prior request or visit any party. It is based on SCDA’s keenness to harness technology to ease individuals’ lives and ensure the speed and quality of service provision.

The certificate includes the details of the affected individual, the address of the residence damaged by the fire and an inventory of the damages resulting from the incident.

The affected individual needs only provide their ID number, after which the issuance process is then completed digitally by linking to their existing ID data and no additional documents are required to be attached.

“This service stems from our responsibility towards members of the society and our commitment to considering the circumstances faced by families affected by fires. In such moments, a family needs to focus on the safety of its members and managing its immediate needs. It is our duty to facilitate services related to the incident and reduce the time and effort required to handle them. We ensure that those we serve experience this care through clear procedures and services that reach them precisely when they are needed,” said Major General Yousef Obaid Bin Harmoul Al Shamsi, Director General of SCDA.

“We are working to develop SCDA’s services based on the needs of customers and to benefit from digital integration to simplify procedures and reduce requirements. Proactive services represent a trend that we are keen to establish, so that SCDA is able to respond to a customer’s needs and provide the service at the appropriate time, without burdening them with steps that can be completed digitally. Through this, we seek to improve the customer’s experience in the Emirate of Sharjah and provide government services that take into account their circumstances, conserve their time and enhance their confidence in the efficiency of institutions and their ability to support them,” he added.

The service takes into account the psychological impact and financial burdens left in the wake of a fire, particularly during the initial hours, when families are preoccupied with managing the aftermath and securing their basic needs.

During this critical period, the family receives an official document detailing the damage to their home, which is issued proactively and rapidly beyond the expectations of those affected by the fire.

The free certificate sent directly via text message and email reflects SCDA’s commitment to ensuring that those affected can easily access the service from wherever they are, without the need to appear in person to collect it.

These two channels offer a direct way to receive the certified digital document, while its issuance immediately upon the conclusion of firefighting operations allows for prompt receipt, thereby helping families complete any necessary post-incident procedures with minimal effort.