Everyone is aware of the perils and destruction caused by fire. It is worth noting that deaths occur more on account of excessive inhalation of gases like carbon monoxide than from burns. Precautions must be taken against fire especially when hundreds of people reside in a complex.

• Non-combustible building materials have been used as insulation prevents transfer of heat from one side to another.
• Compartmentation limits the size and consequently the losses due to fire.
• Adequate power supply guards against overload and short circuit.

• Ensure adequate water in the tank at all times;
• Be familiar where the fire fighting equipments have been installed.
• Be equipped how to extinguish fire in an emergency like using the automatic sprinkler system CO2 and DCP total flooding system and the water spray system.
• Be able to assist occupants to evacuate, aiding the fire fighters in fighting fire through fire extinguishers, hose reels, through wet risers and yard hydrants.
• Participate in the training program.

Precautions that will be taken by authorities:

• A core group of occupants would be formed with clearly defined responsibilities, authority, and accountability.
• The DOs and DONTs in case of emergency would be displayed at prominent places in the complex.
• Periodic drills would help identify the shortcomings in the responses of the occupants and the staff who would have been trained in advance.
• Maintenance schedules for the fire protection system would be intimated in advance to avoid inconvenience to the residents.
• Safety audits would be conducted regularly to check the implementation of effective fire-safety management procedures.

Safety guidelines in using cooking gas

• Never keep any electrical wire/appliance close to the LPG pipe.
• Do not forget to switch off the burner and close the stop valve of the cylinder at night or when away from home for a considerable period.
• Keep the gas meter, regulator and pipes clean from dust oil.
• The match should be lighted before turning on the knob.
• Flexible hoses should have ISI mark and these should be replaced every two years.
• Switch off all electrical appliances including fans and bulbs in and around the kitchen. All doors and windows should be opened to allow fresh air, which dilutes the gas from the cylinders bringing it down to lower than the inflammability levels.
• Place the safety cap on the valve of the cylinder and if possible remove it to an isolated place.
  

Actions in emergencies

• If the fire is due to an electrical live line use only dry Chemical Power Fire Fighting Extinguisher.
• In case of oil/petroleum fire use Foam Type Extinguisher.
• Hose reel for water should be used along with the fire extinguisher.
• Despite this, if the fire is not under control, use hydrant valves.
• If necessary, emergency gates should be opened and the fireproof doors closed.

Burns from dry heat

• Assess the degree of burns because this determines the degree of damage to the tissues.
• Remove jewelry, belts culture boots before the part starts swelling.
• Cover the injured part with a freshly laundered linen.

Electrical burns

• Do not touch the casualty until the main switch has been turned off.

• Ensure that you stand on a wooden platform.
• Place the affected part under slow running cold water and never attempt to break the blister. If breathing stops due to shock, resuscitate.

Burn caused by corrosive chemicals