Fire safety is everyone’s responsibility: Hyderabad HYDRAA commissioner
HYDERABAD:Â Fire safety is a shared responsibility and requires strict compliance from all stakeholders, said HYDRAA Commissioner A.V. Ranganath, as the city braces for the summer season.
Citywide awareness drives ahead of summer
With the onset of summer, the risk of fires increases, often leading to loss of life and property if precautions are ignored. HYDRAA has already conducted inspections across the city and sealed several shops for violations.
Following representations from shop owners and trader associations seeking time to comply, Ranganath said establishments have been given time until the end of February. Parallelly, HYDRAA has launched large-scale fire safety awareness programmes across Hyderabad, in coordination with line departments.
Mock drills and awareness campaigns are being conducted citywide to educate citizens and commercial establishments on basic fire safety norms. The commissioner urged residents and business owners to strictly follow the guidelines to prevent fire accidents.
Basements must not be misused
Basements should be used only for vehicle parking and not converted into storage spaces, HYDRAA said. Installing grills and locking basements for storing goods is prohibited.
Garbage accumulation in basements must be avoided, as it can trigger fires and endanger entire commercial complexes. Basements should not house watchmen’s quarters, canteens, cooking activities or waste burning.
Keep access routes clear
Basements, ramps, corridors and staircases must be kept free at all times. Goods should not be stored in a way that blocks movement.
Clear signage indicating emergency exit routes must be installed. Staircases should never be blocked, even if lifts are available, as lifts must not be used during fire emergencies.
Use standard electrical equipment
Only ISO-certified electrical wires, switchboards and panel boards should be used. Proper earthing of electrical lines is mandatory to prevent fire hazards.
Power connections must match actual electricity usage. Using additional equipment such as air conditioners without adequate load capacity can lead to tripping and fire risks.
Panel boards connecting supply lines from electric poles to commercial buildings should be housed in dedicated concrete chambers to prevent sparks from igniting fires. Electrical circuits must not be overloaded, and wiring should not have joints.
Install and maintain fire safety systems
All buildings must be equipped with smoke detectors to provide early alerts during fire incidents. Automatic water sprinklers that operate without human intervention should be installed.
Fire extinguishers must be easily accessible, and all equipment should be periodically tested to ensure functionality. Staff working in shops and commercial complexes should be trained in using fire extinguishers.
Fire alarm systems with manual activation (red button) should be installed for immediate alerts during emergencies.
Additional precautions
No materials, curtains or clothing should be kept near bulbs or tube lights, as heat can slowly ignite fires.
Decorative wiring, serial bulbs and false ceiling lights should be installed carefully to avoid short circuits. Extra caution is required where commercial activities operate on the lower floors of residential apartments.
Citizens can report fire safety violations or hazardous conditions near their homes to the HYDRAA control room at 9000113667, along with videos, photographs and live location details.
In case of a fire, the fire services should be contacted immediately by dialling 101.
