Wedding hall smoke – what a headache! [Archives:2007/1109/Community]
By: Minal S.
[email protected]
I had the wonderful opportunity to witness a few weddings in Taiz. Honestly, Yemeni weddings are very beautiful, attractive, full of excitement, fun and simply fabulous!
However, imagine being locked in a hall filled with smoke and without ventilation. What would you experience? Obviously, you would choke from the smoke and the result may even be fatal.
I attended the first wedding day, called “the arusa.” The aura of the wedding hall was lovely, but unfortunately, it was filled with smoke from the meda'a and shisha (smoking various flavored tobacco, which is ignited by charcoal, via long, slender pipes) and of course, smoke from cigarettes too.
The only drawback to this wonderful and lovely event was that the wedding hall was filled with smoke, for which there was no exit in this particular hall.
Every country is supposed to have norms and conditions regarding constructing public halls and premises. If such norms and conditions aren't followed, the government reserves the right to suspend the construction of such massive halls.
It's fun to dance to the songs at Yemeni weddings, which, surprisingly, is the only thing one can do because the loud volume of the music prohibits anything else. The human ear is designed to bear a certain intensity of sound called decibels; thus, public places aren't permitted to play music above a certain decibel. Those who do so are held responsible either via legal punishment or their operating permit is canceled.
The security afforded to attendees at such occasions, particularly for women, is quite bleak. For instance, such large halls usually have only a single entry and exit point. In case of catastrophe, outside help is nearly impossible, the main reason being that men are restricted from entering; thus, the more time required for assistance, the more urgent help is denied.
Moreover, fire extinguishers should be installed throughout such public halls and other safety measures should be made mandatory in order to prevent any mishaps and casualties. Unfortunately, here in Yemen, these measures aren't followed, which may turn out to be a fatal mistake.
As the saying goes, “Nothing is impossible.” Everything is possible in this world and there's a solution to every problem.
I think such large public halls should establish norms requiring multiple entries and exits. Additionally, they should be well ventilated, fire extinguishers should be placed at all important locations and warnings and instructions displayed throughout.
Music also should be played only at decibels the human ear can tolerate. Indeed, then you, me and all enthusiasts may participate, enjoying and dancing to the tunes.
Doesn't that sound nice and cheerful? After all, “Where there's a will, there's definitely a way.”
——
[archive-e:1109-v:15-y:2007-d:2007-12-06-p:community]
