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FIRE SAFETY COMPLIANCE FOR PRIVATE RESIDENCIES /SOCIETIES IS MANDATORY BUT MAHARASHTRA, LIKE MANY OTHER STATES PERHAPS, HAS A POOR RECORD TO SHOW

It is mandatory for a housing society to take fire policy of the structure of the building. But as on May 2019, nearly 99 per cent of the housing societies in Maharashtra had not got their fire audits done. The housing societies were taking these essential safety requirements lightly, Maharashtra State Co-Operative Housing Federation chairman Sitaram Rane told reporters."Almost 99% of the housing societies in the state have not done their fire audit, which is mandatory," he had said.

The damage caused to the contents of the flat due to fire is not covered under such policy. The flat owner has to take fire policy for this depending on the value of the contents of the flat. The fire policy covering the contents would cover the risk of damage to furniture, electronic items like TV, Fridge, jewellery, etc. The insurance company providing cover for the structure of the building may give discounts for buying the policy covering the contents.

DUMMY’S GUIDE TO THUMB RULES OF FIRE SAFETY

• Do not overload electrical circuits and individual sockets. Electric and AC ducts must be sectionalized and sealed, so that they do not spread fires
• No electrical wires must hang loose or be damaged
• Do not use candles in case of power failure. Use battery torches.
• Use ashtray while smoking and smoke only in smoking zones
• Keep matches, crackers, and lighters away from the children.
• Keep LPG Stoves/ Burner on raised non-combustible platform.
• If LPG cylinder is leaking, close the main cylinder valve and ventilate the entire room. Do not switch on/ off any of the electric switches in the room. Replace LPG supply tube periodically.
• Do not leave lighted oil lamps near combustible material. Put them off before retiring to bed.
• In case of fire, all lifts must be grounded, and irrespective of size of fire, the fire brigade must be summoned.
• Be sure to install basic emergency lights and photoluminescent signs for quick exit in case of a power failure by fire, blackout or any other emergency.

Don’t wait for the government, do it yourself - it’s a hell of a lot more practical.