Ashok Gardens

Special Article 5: विवरण

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by

MC
in

Fire Safety at Ashok Gardens

Fire Evacuation Drill

The fire evacuation drill conducted recently was an organized initiative aimed at educating residents and staff about fire safety protocols. The session included detailed explanations about fire, emergency responses, evacuation techniques, proper use of firefighting equipment and live demonstrations. The key objective was to ensure that every individual in the complex is equipped to act calmly and effectively during a fire emergency.

Below are some of the key takeaways of the Fire safety norms some of which were demonstrated in the drill and some which all residents need to know in general:

Resident Guidelines: Dos and Don’ts in a Fire Emergency at Ashok Gardens:

Residents were briefed on behaviour and response during a fire incident. Some of the Do’s and Don’ts are listed below:

DO’s:

  1. Use Fire Extinguisher located on the staircase in case of minor fires
  2. In case a resident sees Fire, they should raise an Alarm by pressing the Manual Call Point located near the staircase exit
  3. Please call on Emergency Nos. Intercom: 701/762/763; Mobile No.: 9930955930
  4. Switch Off the Electricity to prevent Fire escalation in case of fire in your flat
  5. On hearing the Fire Alarm, residents need to evacuate their premises along with their family/guests/staff/pets and move to safe location (Refuge Area: Central Lawn, 8th,16th, Terrace)
  6. Please ensure no one in your flat is left behind during evacuation
  7. If fire is on lower floor travel towards the higher refuge area and vice versa
  8. Always use staircase while evacuating
  9. If the area is filled with smoke, try crawling on the floor and exiting to avoid suffocation due to smoke inhalation
  10. If any resident is not able to move due to injury/old age/pregnancy etc. Please seek help from the Facility Team.
    DON’Ts:
  11. Do not use the Lift in case of Fire
  12. Do not Panic
  13. Do not listen to/spread any rumors
  14. Do not extinguish Electrical Fires with water
  15. Do not use Extinguishers if you are not confident to operate it

Understanding Fire and Its Elements

Fire is defined as a rapid oxidation process that produces heat, light, and chemical reactions. For a fire to ignite and sustain, the following three elements must be present:

  • Fuel: Can be in solid, liquid, or gaseous form.
  • Oxygen: Supports the combustion process.
  • Heat: Ignites the fuel in the presence of oxygen.
  • These elements interact in a chemical reaction that leads to combustion.

Fire Suppression Methods

Participants were taught the three fundamental fire suppression techniques:

  • Starvation: Removing the fuel source.
  • Smothering: Cutting off oxygen supply using foam or blankets.
  • Cooling: Reducing heat using water (only when safe to do so).

Understanding & Using Fire Extinguishers – PASS Technique

The proper usage of fire extinguishers is crucial. The PASS system was demonstrated:

  • Pull the pin.
  • Aim the nozzle at the base of the fire.
  • Squeeze the handle.
  • Sweep side to side.

Important Tips:

  • Ensure the pressure gauge is in the green zone before use.
  • Always check wind direction to avoid blowback.
  • Avoid holding the horn of CO₂ extinguishers to prevent ice burns.
  • Never use AFFF extinguishers on electrical fires.

On-Site Fire Safety Infrastructure

Ashok Gardens is equipped with robust fire safety installations:

  • Firefighting Pumps: Hydrant main, sprinkler main, booster, and jockey pumps (auto/manual modes).
  • Firefighting Equipment: Fire shafts, double hydrant valves, hose reels, water sprinklers on every floor, and breech inlets for fire brigades.
  • Fire Extinguishers: CO₂, AFFF (150L), DCP (various sizes), and sand buckets.
  • Alarm Systems: MCPs, smoke detectors, heat detectors, flash hooters, fire alarm panels, and a public address (PA) system with floor-wide speakers.

Evacuation Procedures and Emergency Zones

Participants learned both why and how to evacuate:

  • Use stairways only, remain low to avoid inhaling smoke.
  • Close doors to slow fire spread.
  • Stay calm and assist others, especially vulnerable individuals.
  • Obey floor wardens and guide others to the Assembly Point at the Central Lawn.

In case of entrapment:

  • Move to higher floors, preferably the terrace or refuge areas (8th, 16th, 24th floors).
  • Use emergency keys to access terrace pathways that connect building wings.
  • Pregnant women, elderly, and pets should be directed to refuge areas for rescue by ERT.

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