Fire Safety Precautions for Homebuyers

Earlier this month, the Karnataka State Fire and Emergency Services Department issued notices to 176 high-rise buildings across the state, including 132 in Bangalore. The reason? Well, these buildings are not fire-safe and do not have the required fire exits.

The authorities also found that there are around 900 high-rise buildings in the city and 114 in other cities in the state, but there are only three fire tenders equipped with aerial ladders to reach up to 40 meters of high-rise buildings.

Cut to Noida. Over 25,000 homebuyers are waiting to get possession of their new home as the projects lack certification of fire and structural safety.

A recent incident of fire in a coaching centre in Surat may be recalled here. Following the incident, the state government has been on its toes to check residential and commercial buildings across the state. There are also plans for a standby helicopter for the evacuation of people from high-rise buildings with helipads.

In this post, let’s see what developers and homebuyers can do to ensure safer abodes.

Understanding the norms

Before we delve deeper, let’s understand the rules. All buildings in India are governed by the National Building Code 2005 that has comprehensive information about various norms that must be followed while constructing buildings.

The first National Building Code of India was created in 1970 and later amended in 1983 and 1987. The third version, the National Building Code of India, 2005, is the latest comprehensive document in this respect.

So, what can developers do to avoid mishaps?

Well, complying with the National Building Code (NBC) 2005 is the best preventive measure.

• Ensure that there are enough exits. The number, size, and location of exits are specified in the NBC 2005.
• NBC also states how much distance a person must travel to reach the nearest fire exit. For evacuation at night, there should be photoluminescent signage.
• This one goes without saying! Install automatic fire alarm systems, such as smoke and heat detectors to take necessary measures on time.
• In the case of high-rise buildings, installing automatic sprinkler systems is also essential.
• Ensure all fire exits are clear of obstruction.
• To prevent panic in an emergency, conduct regular fire drills to familiarise residents with the evacuation methods.

What can homebuyers do?

Before finalising a project, ask your developer about the security features in the building. Also, check whether the project has a NOC from the fire department.

Once you have received the Occupancy Certificate, ensure that:

• In the basement, parking, and other areas where highly combustible things are stored, there are enough sprinklers.
• Every floor has enough portable fire extinguishers along with the first aid box.
• All the fire alarms, smoke detectors, water sprinklers, and fire extinguishers are in working condition.
• There is an escape route map in each corridor. Also, get familiarised with the exit routes.

If you doubt your building’s level of fire safety, you can get it independently assess by the fire department for a nominal fee.