Civil defence means taking necessary steps to protect civilians, ensuring the safety of the means of transport, protecting public buildings, facilities, organisations and projects as well as private property, preserving archaeological sites and works of art from the hazards of war and acts of arson in addition to minimising their effects, and extending assistance to those aggrieved by such acts. It also means ensuring a smooth functioning and operation of public utilities in the event of a war or peace, emergency, natural disaster or martial law while maintaining public order, stability and national security.
