Admn gears up to tackle fire-related accidents

Mahesh Sharma

Mandi Ahmedgarh, October 1

In view of the coming festival season, the administration has taken proactive measures to prevent and check fire accidents during public functions in the town.

Rank and file of the Fire Department has been advised to oversee arrangements at venues of Ramlila and Dasehra as well as Diwali celebrations in the region.

Sources said organisers of public functions had been asked to make adequate fire safety arrangements before the commencement of any type of celebrations. They (organisers) have been advised to get venues inspected by officials of the fire safety office or civic body office concerned.

Hari Om, fire officer at Malerkotla, said some of the organisers of social, cultural and religious functions had sought advice regarding preventive measures to be taken before the commencement of respective events. Hospitals, educational institutes and manufacturing units are also visited for the purpose.

“Though we have already launched a coordinated movement to spread awareness about causes and consequences of accidental fires, organisers of social, cultural and religious functions have been asked to get venues of their functions inspected by the officials concerned so that adequate fire safety measures are taken before the commencement of the events,” said Hari Om.

The organisers have also been advised to ensure that information about any accidental fire is given to the authorities concerned before wasting time in calling unprofessional friends and relatives for help in fire fighting. At the same time, the organisers also have to ensure that no panic is spread in case of fire because in that case, rescue operations are hampered badly.

Safety measures

• Organisers should ensure adequate means of escape at the venue.
• Pathways to exits should be clearly outlined. 
• Smoke detection system should be installed.
• Smoke suppression systems should be maintained. 
• Flame retardant materials should be used in installations.
• Venue of all public functions should be accessible to fire fighters.
• Overloading on electric conductors and equipment should be checked.
• Organisers should get designated volunteers trained for rescue operations in case of need.