Antwerp diamond industry organizes evacuation exercise

Last Friday, the Antwerp World Diamond Centre (AWDC) organized a large-scale evacuation exercise in the Antwerp diamond district. The exercise was the result of a cooperation between AWDC, the City of Antwerp and the Local Antwerp Police Department. The majority of the buildings and the companies located in the diamond district participated. Approximately 2200 people were evacuated.

Security and safety are critical aspects in the Antwerp diamond industry. AWDC, as representative of the Antwerp diamond industry, and more specifically the AWDC Security Office (AWDC SO), play a crucial role in maintaining and coordinating security in the Antwerp diamond square mile. The mission of AWDC Security Office is to support and facilitate the diamond business, and to protect the diamond community’s personnel, products, reputation, as well as information and assets against all internal, external, deliberate or accidental threats.

The goal of this evacuation exercise was to test all relevant security procedures in a controlled environment. Furthermore, these exercises are legally obliged and take place at least once a year. Participating companies received a certificate, necessary for insurance purposes.

AWDC wants to thank the City of Antwerp and the Local Antwerp Police Department for the excellent coordination and cooperation during this evacuation exercise.