Viluppuram DC stresses on fire safety and adherence to NBC fire safety norms even as PM Modi expresses dismay on fire accidents this summer

The administration of Vilupuram in TN got a shake up call even as PM Narendra Modi made special mention expressing of concern about fire accidents spiking this summer, and the district collector has got down to business. D. Mohan has directed the authorities to take steps to enhance fire safety measures in hospitals in Villupuram. The Hon. Collector, who chaired an urgent meeting of officials of government and private hospitals in the district at the Collectorate recently, said hospitals should take necessary measures to prevent fire accidents.

A power-point presentation was made by Fire Officer Robin Castro covering a host of aspects including effective fire-fighting techniques and the dos and don’ts. The highlights pointed out were that firstly, fire safety and prevention measures needed to be taken and secondly, National Building Code guidelines for hospitals needed to be strictly adhered to. Representatives from various Government Hospitals, Primary Health Centres, and private hospitals who attended the meeting were briefed in detail about various aspects of fire safety such as the source of fire, its effects, fire extinguishing methods, classes of fire, way to use fire extinguisher, minimum requirements for fire safety and national building code guidelines.

Mr. Mohan said adequate fire safety measures should be put in place in all hospitals. This included installation of fire alarms in each floor, holding of mock drills every three months, a fire safety evacuation plan, installation of smoke detection system, and use of flame-retardant materials in interiors. Officials should also inspect health facilities and ensure the availability of functional safety equipment as per fire safety guidelines. Necessary action should be taken in case any deficiencies were found, he added.