Authorities in the Xinjiang Uygur autonomous region have organized a workshop to improve emergency response for the region's top officials.

On Monday, the first group of 260 officials received the training, which is meant to protect the region's security, social stability and interests of the people.

"More work definitely needs to be done in the face of a complicated and volatile public safety situation in Xinjiang," said Kang Yanfeng, director of the region's administration of civil service.

The officials will learn about setting up an emergency response system, strengthening monitoring and early warning, reporting and publicity, emergency response and aid as well as relevant laws and regulations.

The trainees will learn to deal with emergencies including natural disasters and problems such as "What will you do if explosives are found in a community?" and "What will you do if a group of 200 people appeal to the higher authorities for help?"

"When an emergency happens, the man in charge normally relies on official channels to collect information but I want the officials to learn that the most valuable source of information actually comes from people," said Cui Jinggang, a professor with Xinjiang Police College, one of the trainers.