The Hyderabad Disaster Response and Asset Protection Agency (HYDRAA) has initiated comprehensive fire safety awareness programs across the city as summer season approaches. HYDRAA Commissioner A.V. Ranganath emphasized that fire safety is everyone’s responsibility and urged citizens to take individual precautions to prevent potential tragedies. The agency has already conducted inspections and seized some shops violating fire safety norms, but granted shop owners and trade associations time until the end of February to comply with regulations.
Commissioner Ranganath warned that once a fire starts during summer, flames spread rapidly causing massive loss of life and property. HYDRAA is now conducting large-scale mock drills and awareness programs in coordination with concerned departments throughout the city. The commissioner has requested all citizens to strictly follow basic fire safety guidelines without fail to eliminate the possibility of fire accidents.
One of the primary concerns highlighted by HYDRAA is the misuse of cellars in commercial complexes. The agency has strictly instructed building owners to use cellars only for vehicle parking and not convert them into godowns for business purposes. Installing grills and locking them with padlocks creates dangerous situations during emergencies. HYDRAA also warned against allowing garbage to pile up in cellars, as burning garbage can trap entire commercial complexes in fire accidents. Watchman residences, canteens, cooking activities, and garbage burning in cellars are strictly prohibited.
Maintaining clear pathways is another critical safety requirement emphasized by the agency. Ramps, corridors, and stair routes must be kept completely clear and should not be blocked by stacking business goods vertically. Sign boards indicating exit routes must be displayed prominently so people can easily escape during fire emergencies. HYDRAA specifically cautioned against blocking stair routes with goods, as lifts should not be used during fire accidents and stair routes remain the only safe escape option.
The commissioner stressed the importance of using only quality electrical equipment in all establishments. ISO standard current wires, switch boards, and panel boards must be installed to prevent fire hazards. Proper earthing for electrical lines is mandatory, and power connections should match actual electricity usage. Special chambers filled with gravel should be provided at panel boards where wires from electricity poles connect to commercial complex wiring, preventing fire from catching if sparks accidentally fall. Electrical circuits should not be overloaded and wiring should have no joints.
Installation of proper fire safety equipment is mandatory in all commercial establishments. Smoke detectors, water sprinklers, and fire extinguishers should be present and functional in every complex. HYDRAA has directed that all equipment should be checked periodically and kept in working condition. Every person working in shops and commercial complexes must receive training on how to use fire extinguishers. Fire alarms with red buttons should be installed at accessible locations to immediately alert everyone during emergencies.
Additional precautions include keeping items away from electrical bulbs and tubelights to prevent slow burning due to heat. Wire joints, serial bulbs, and false ceiling lights used for shop decoration must be installed carefully to eliminate any possibility of short circuits. HYDRAA has issued special warnings for commercial activities and shops operating in lower portions of apartments, requiring even more vigilance to ensure no possibility of fire. Door curtains and clothes should not be placed near electrical fixtures.
Citizens are encouraged to report fire safety violations immediately. If anyone notices conditions that can cause fire accidents or violations of fire regulations near their homes, they should contact the HYDRAA Control Room at 9000113667 with complete information including videos, photos, and current location. In case of actual fire emergencies, citizens should immediately call 101 for fire engine services to extinguish flames. The commissioner reiterated that individual vigilance and collective responsibility are essential to prevent fire tragedies during the approaching summer season.
