Fire safety is not always someone else’s responsibility

Representation Pic

Two recent fire incidents have resulted in numerous deaths, anguish and tragedy. There is the Rajkot gaming zone fire and the horrendous fire at a Delhi hospital. Fierce charges are being exchanged and a blame game is on. As usual, there will be a great post-disaster awakening. Checks will be done at gaming zones and hospitals now, something that had to be done regularly and from inception.

While that is on, this should be a nudge to all to watch out in our immediate environment and take measures. The first is building societies. The society committee and all residents in fact must make sure it is fire-compliant. Once equipment is installed, ensure regular checks of equipment.

There is also at times, a very shoddy approach to fire safety by residents. They do not show up at demonstrations about how to work the equipment. Building corridors are blocked at times with children's bicycles, mattresses, shelves or cupboards. This is a hindrance when one needs to exit quickly in case of fire. Lifts need regular repairs and maintenance within the society. Exits need to be clearly marked.

The refuge area in a building should be left as is. Shockingly, we do see at times that there is some unauthorised use of the refuge floor.

One must also remember that the monsoon is upon us and there is a danger of all these incidents during the season. Keep building gates and access as free as possible. We need to learn our lessons from these incidents. Fires do not always happen elsewhere and to others, they can happen to us too.

We need to take some lessons away from these tragedies ourselves.