If there’s one really literally burning issue that has gripped our country is the fires incidences. According to official data, there were 4,790 fires reported in the city of Mumbai alone in the year 2017. Several lives were lost in these incidences drawing attention to the fire safety norms in all places. There have been shortcomings from the civic administration as well as the individual property owners. These fires exposed the shortcomings of the respective departments regarding fire safety. Fires have become a grave disaster today and it is very important to understand the causes and safety measures in such incidences. Let us look in detail to the cause, guidelines and safety measures during fires.

Causes of Fire: It is very important to find the cause of such major incidences. Fire from a small spark can turn into erupting flames and cause huge damage to people and property.

  1. Short circuit: This is the most common cause of major fires. A small spark is enough to flame up an entire area.

  2. Unattended stove/gas: A gas stove unattended or a gas leakage can cause blasts from the fire. It can result up to serious damage of person and property. So it is highly advised to check if the stove or gas after use.

  3. Faulty equipment: Many times when you plug in electronic equipment, you see a spark but tend to ignore. There could be a fault in your equipment which can result in larger damage later on. Some objects can overheat and cause fire too. We keep reading about the mobile phones overheating, such cases need to be addressed as quickly as possible.

  4. Human error: Even a simple flicker can be responsible for a disaster. Sometimes a matchstick not properly put off or a cigarette spark can also result in fires if there are highly inflammable things around.

Fire Safety Guidelines:

The fire safety guidelines are important instructions that guarantee safety, avoid health hazards, the risk to property to prevent the damage caused by a fire situation. The guidelines are different for high-rise buildings, hotels, hospitals, shopping malls, offices depending upon the area of the place. Besides, every state has different guidelines. In fact, the fire regulations are different in different countries too.

Every builder before constructing a property has to ensure that the fire safety guidelines are followed. As an active citizen even if you are buying a property for a personal or commercial purpose, you should ensure that the building is complying with the fire safety norms.

How to use fire extinguishers?

Not just using the extinguishers, it is also important to know which type of extinguisher is apt for certain kind of fire.

Type of Fire Description
Class A Wood, paper, cloth, trash and other ordinary materials. The extinguisher has a triangle sign and is green in color.
Class B Gasoline, oil and other flammable liquids. The extinguisher has a square sign and is red in color.
Class C Fire involving electric equipment. The extinguisher has a circle sign and is blue in color.
Class D Combustible metal and alloys. The extinguisher has a star sign and is yellow in color.
Class K Cooking oils and fats. The extinguisher has a hexagon sign and is black in color.

 

All the fire extinguishers have the usage instructions printed on them. But in the state of panic, there are chances you miss out and get confused. But to make it extremely simple, just remember the acronym: P.A.S.S.

P: PULL the safety PIN from the handle

A: AIM at the base of the fire

S: SQUEEZE the trigger

S: SWEEP from side to side

How to save yourself or someone from fire?

If you are unfortunately caught in a fire situation, the natural reaction is to panic. But it is very important to be aware of the situation and work for an escape before you have some authorities in control reaching the place.

  1. Dial 101. In case of a fire breakout, it is important to call the authorities. The sooner you call the faster the authorities can reach the place and take the situation under control before the fire spreads more.

  2. Try to head to the nearest exit. Try and reach the bottom of the building than on the top in case of a high-rise.

  3. Do not take an elevator. Although it may seem the fastest way to get down, a slight malfunction can cause it to stop and you will be trapped inside.

  4. If you happen to be near the washroom or have access to even a little water, wet the cloth and keep it over your nose. Breathe through it.

  5. Do not run around too fast from the fire area because that very force of the wind can also cause the flames to spread.

  6. If you are saving someone who has got burnt, then instinctively you will want to put water on the person. But that is not a wise idea. Instead, stop the person on the ground and roll them. This is to smother the flames immediately.

  7. Use a dry blanket to cover the person. Ensure it is a thick blanket and not a light flammable material.

  8. Once the fire is extinguished, remove the clothing very gently. Use a dry and clean cloth to cover the skin.

  9. People tend to be in shock after experiencing such an incident. Elevate the legs of the person for a while so that the blood flow reaches the brain.

From the start of the year, India has been caught in so many fire incidences wile makes it of prime importance to check the fire safety guidelines. At the same time, try to get in touch with the fire department as soon as possible and offer as much help as you can to the victims. The most common saying goes by ‘prevention is better than cure’ so always be careful, especially around playing children. Take proper care and be alert at all times. Before you go to any restaurant or a mall, observe the exits, ask the higher authorities if they have fire safety guidelines followed.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Jan 19, 2018 11:42 AM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).