Article 18 of the Saudi Civil Defense Law

This article places a general responsibility on every person in society toward civil defense operations, even if they are not a volunteer registered with civil defense.

The scope of this responsibility is set by the limits the text states:

• The kind of assistance: the possible and necessary assistance; that is, what the person can actually do, and what civil defense operations need, no more.
• The time of assistance: in cases where necessity calls for it, so this responsibility does not arise at all times but when there is necessity.
• The subject of assistance: it must be for civil defense operations.

The idea behind this provision is that responding to disasters and accidents may at certain moments require the participation of those present at the scene, before the specialized teams arrive or alongside them.

This provision differs from Article 17, which allows civil defense to call on those whom the interest requires to be summoned, with their rights and duties regulated by a regulation issued by decision of the Council of Ministers. Article 17 concerns an organized summons of specific persons, whereas this article establishes a general responsibility on everyone in case of necessity.

Article 19 also complements this direction, providing for teaching the principles of civil defense at all stages of general education and in civilian and military institutes and training institutes, preparing people to play this role.

The article does not itself state a penalty for refusing to help, and anyone in a situation related to this provision can consult a lawyer specializing in administrative matters.