Fire safety in an apartment

A devastating fire is every homeowner’s worst nightmare. In an apartment complex, where a large number of families reside, fire safety is the responsibility of each and every resident.

The National Building Code of India (NBCI) has laid down fire safety norms to be followed by architects during the construction of a building. This code states that any building which has more than three floors has to acquire a certificate of approval from the fire department during the planning stage.

The codes specified by NBCI can be divided into active and passive firefighting methods. Passive measure are to be included in the structural design of the building like fire escapes, fire resistant walls etc. The active measures include automatic fire detection and fire suppression equipment like fire extinguishers and smoke detectors that are implemented after the completion of the structure. According to the norms, stated by the code particularly for high rise apartments, a structure should have the following:

• fire extinguishers,
• electric fire alarm systems,
• automatic fire detection system,
• underground static water storage tank,
• terrace tank,
• a wide staircase with stair-rails,
• ventilator blocks

If you are planning to invest in an apartment in Mumbai or any other city, it is advisable to check if the building follows the NBCI guidelines. If these guidelines are not followed, the apartment authorities can be penalized or the permit can be cancelled.

Fire Safety Tips

Whether you are in a high rise condominium or a 2 floor apartment complex, there are steps you can take to remain safe in case a fire breaks out.

Fire Drills - It is essential for the manager of the apartment to schedule and conduct regular fire drills so that residents can be made aware of escape routes and fire exits.

Maintenance of firefighting equipment - It is important to regularly inspect and service the fire equipment to ensure smooth operation of all equipment during an emergency.

Instant evacuation - In the event of a fire, evacuate the building as soon as you hear the fire alarm. You can always collect your belongings later, but ignoring the fire alarm or delaying evacuation can cost you your life.

A hot door - In case of a fire, always feel the temperature of the door before opening it.  If it is hot, never open the door.  Place a wet towel at the bottom to stop the smoke from spreading and try to look for an alternate escape route like the windows. If you live on a higher floor, you can use a flashlight as a signal or hang a light colored cloth from your window to indicate to the fire fighters that you are trapped.

A cold door -If your door feels cold, open it slightly to check for smoke or flames.  If there is none, leave by your planned escape route. Always remember to close the door behind you. A closed door can prevent the fire from spreading to your apartment and protect your belongings from heat and smoke damage.

Always use the stairs - Do not use the elevator in a fire. Always use the stairs and cover your nose and mouth with a wet clean cloth to prevent smoke inhalation. If your vision is blurred due to smoke, you can make your way down using the stair-rail as a guide.

Roll over if you are on fire - Keep low, as cleaner air is nearer to the ground. If your clothes catch fire, immediately drop to the ground and roll over to put out the flames.

Fire safety is not only about following legislative codes, it is also about equipping yourself with knowledge to survive in case a fire does break out. Fire planning and awareness are the two sides of fire safety that can go a long way in saving someone’s life.