In pursuance to the Ministry of Home Affairs, Government of India, with an objective to promote awareness on basic fire prevention measures and encourage safe practices, the Directorate of Fire & Emergency Services, Nagaland has issued the following Fire safety Do’s and Don’ts for occupants of residential buildings and commercial establishments for public interest.

1. FIRE SAFETY DO’s & DON’Ts – RESIDENTIAL BUILDINGS (SUMMER SEASON)
2. DO’s

• Ensure periodic inspection of household electrical wiring and appliances, especially air conditioners, coolers, and refrigerators.
• Handle electricity carefully and ensure switch off appliances when not in use.
• Use only ISI-marked (proper rating) electrical equipment and avoid loose connections.
• Ensure compatible electric load for the residential unit.
• Switch off appliances when not in use, particularly during peak heat hours.
• Keep LPG cylinders in an upright position and check for leakage using soap solution.
• Keep curtains, hanging articles away from the power sockets, open flames like Diyas, candles, incense sticks, etc.
• Maintain adequate ventilation to prevent overheating.
• Keep buckets of water/sand readily available for emergency use.
• Educate all family members about fire safety practices and emergency response (Dial 101).
• Keep balconies, corridors, and staircases free from clutter.
• Ensure building access roads are unobstructed for fire service vehicles.

1. DON’Ts

• Do not overload electrical sockets or use multiple high-load appliances on a single extension board.
• Do not keep power drawing appliances close to each other like AC compressors, etc,.
• Do not leave cooking unattended, especially during summer.
• Do not store inflammable materials (kerosene, petrol, firecrackers) inside the house.
• Do not use damaged wires, loose plugs, or substandard electrical fittings.
• Do not block exits or staircases with furniture or storage.
• Do not place electrical appliances near curtains or combustible materials.
• Do not charge devices overnight unattended.
• Do not burn waste within residential premises.
• Do not keep LPG cylinders in confined or poorly ventilated spaces.
• Do not discard lit cigarettes, candles, kerosene lamp, carelessly – they can ignite dangerous fires.

1. SPECIAL SUMMER ADVISORY

• Increased use of cooling devices may lead to overheating-ensure proper wiring and load distribution.
• Avoid temporary or makeshift electrical connections.
• Check inverter/battery systems for overheating and proper ventilation.

Download Nagaland Tribune app on Google Play

1. FIRE SAFETY DO’s & DON’T’s – COMMERCIAL ESTABLISHMENTS (SUMMER SEASON)

(Offices, Shops, Markets, Malls, Institutions, etc.)

1. DO’s

• Ensure strict compliance with fire safety norms as per local authority regulations.
• Install and maintain fire protection systems (fire extinguishers, hydrants, sprinklers, alarm systems) as per local authority regulation.
• Conduct periodic fire safety and electrical audit / inspections.
• Train employees in fire prevention, evacuation procedures and use of firefighting, equipment.
• Maintain clear, illuminated, and properly marked emergency exits.
• Ensure proper housekeeping to avoid accumulation of combustible waste.
• Provide adequate ventilation and fire protection systems for electrical panels, server rooms, and DG sets.
• Keep emergency contact numbers displayed prominently.
• Maintain dedicated fire water storage and ensure accessibility.
• Conduct mock drills atleast twice in a year.

1. DONTs

• Do not block emergency exits, staircases, or fire access routes.
• Do not store flammable goods beyond permissible limits or in unauthorized areas.
• Do not operate without functional fire detection and suppression systems.
• Do not overload electrical circuits or use temporary wiring.
• Do not ignore sparks, short circuits, or overheating of equipment.
• Do not disable fire protection systems like fire alarms or sprinkler, hydrant systems.
• Do not stack goods near electrical panels or escape routes.

1. Special Summer Advisory

• Increased electrical load due to cooling systems requires load balancing and monitoring.
• Ensure transformers, DG sets, and HAVC systems are regularly serviced.
• Increase frequency of inspection during peak summer months.
• Do not discard lit cigarettes carelessly- they can ignite dangerous fires
• Pay special attention to high-risk areas such as kitchens, storage rooms, and server rooms.