Written by:
Arthi T
Residential fires account for the majority of fire-related fatalities and injuries among children. In India, approximately 1.6 million fire incidents have been recorded, resulting in 27,027 deaths (Source: 195 National Analysis by Global Disease Burden published in the BMJ Injury Prevention Journal). The most vulnerable groups are children under ten and adults over sixty. To address this issue, various Home Fire Safety Programs have been created to educate residents on fire safety practices, encourage safe behavior, and raise awareness about risks linked to electricity, water, gas, heating systems, fuel, propane tanks, storage devices, and natural hazards.
10 important fire safety tips you need to know to keep your workplace and home safe
Installing and maintaining smoke alarms
Install smoke alarms on every level of the home, including in storage areas, electrical rooms, bedrooms, and outside sleeping areas. Regular checks and tests are essential to ensure that the smoke alarms are functioning properly.
Creating an escape plan
Develop an emergency fire escape plan that includes multiple exit routes from each room. Ensure everyone is familiar with the plan by placing clear signs and marking emergency exits. Designate a safe meeting point outside the premises. Regularly check that fire exits and ladders are safe and free from obstructions.
Keeping flammables away from heat sources
Store flammable materials away from heat sources that could ignite them. Use approved containers and keep these materials in well-ventilated areas. Exercise caution when using candles, matches, lighters, and other potential fire starters, and never leave them unattended. Ensure they are kept away from curtains and other flammable objects.
Practicing safe cooking and kitchen fire safety
Always stay in the kitchen when cooking, particularly when using stove tops or ovens. Keep flammable items like kitchen towels and curtains away from heat sources. Understand how to deal with grease fires—never use water to extinguish them. Instead, cover the flames with a lid to cut off the oxygen supply or use a Class B dry chemical fire extinguisher. Clean your oven and stove top regularly to prevent grease accumulation
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Using electrical appliances responsibly
Avoid overloading electrical outlets and extension cords. Unplug appliances like ovens, irons, and washing machines when not in use, and regularly inspect cords for any signs of damage. Check electrical cords frequently for fraying, damage, or overheating, and replace any damaged cords immediately. Do not run cords under carpets. If an electrical fire occurs, cut off the power supply if it is safe, and use a fire extinguisher designed for electrical fires.
Maintaining heating systems
Ensure heating systems have proper airflow and are kept clear of any flammable materials. Regularly have your heating systems, including furnaces and chimneys, inspected and maintained by qualified professionals.
Outdoor fire safety
Adhere to local regulations regarding outdoor fires, including campfires and grilling. Always ensure fires are fully extinguished before leaving and never leave them unattended. Remain aware of dry conditions and the risk of wildfires.
Use fire extinguishers and maintain them properly
Familiarize yourself where your fire extinguishers are located in your home. Ensure that they are easily accessible, regularly inspected, and suitable for the types of fires common in the environment. Replace your fire extinguishers if deemed faulty and needed to be replaced.
Evacuating safely from smoke
During fire incidents, smoke inhalation is a leading cause of fatalities due to harmful particles. If possible, avoid smoke and find an alternate escape route. If you must evacuate through smoke, remember to stay low and crawl to safety where the air is cleaner, typically 12 to 24 inches above the floor. Using a disposable mask or respirator is ideal, but you can also improvise with a wet towel to protect yourself.
Fire safety education
Spread awareness among your family and friends about the critical importance of fire safety in homes, workplaces, and public settings. Educate them on fire prevention strategies and how to effectively respond during fire emergencies. Organize discussions led by qualified professionals to enhance understanding and preparedness for fire safety measures.
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Fire hazard prevention checklist
Familiarize yourself with emergency contact numbers for fire services.
Respond promptly to any fire incidents.
Identify potential hazards within your home & workplace.
Develop and practice evacuation plans.
Identify multiple escape routes in case of emergencies.
Conduct regular fire drills with your family and at workplace
Ensure all exits are easily accessible and in good working order.
Install and maintain smoke alarms.
Regularly inspect and replace smoke alarm batteries as needed.
Purchase and install fire extinguishers in strategic locations.
Keep fire prevention measures up to date.
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Fire precautions in high rise buildings
DO’s
Good housekeeping must be ensured.
Always use ashtrays while smoking and deposit smoked butts in them after extinguishing.
All receptacles for waste should be emptied at regular intervals.
Faculty electrical appliances should be repaired/replaced immediately.
Switches and fuses should conform to the correct rating of the circuit.
Welding /cutting jobs should be carried out under strict supervision.
Keep smoke/fire check doors closed. Keep means of escape clear of obstructions.
Fire Rescue drills should be carried out at regular intervals
Impart elementary fire fighting training to occupants.
Emergency organization must be set up.
DONT’s
Don’t dispose of lighted cigarettes carelessly.
Don’t plug too many electrical appliances in one socket.
Don’t paint fire detector/sprinkler heads.
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Fire precautions in residential areas
DO’s
Keep your house neat and clean.
Keep matches, lighters and crackers away from children.
Use metal ashtrays while smoking to dispose of matches, used cigarettes and bidis.
Papers, clothes and flammable liquids should be kept away from heaters/stoves.
Keep the escape routes/staircases free of any obstructions.
Use only one electrical appliance in one socket.
Keep LPG stoves on raised platforms, never on the floor.
Turn off the cylinder valve and burn the knob of the gas stove after cooking.
Keep a bucket of water handy while using fireworks. In case of burn injuries due to fire, pour water over burn till pain subsides.
DONT’s
Don’t meddle with electrical fixtures like plugs, wires, switches and sockets.
Don’t leave spray cans on or near heaters or in direct sunlight they could explode.
Don’t throw matches, cigarette ends or pipe ash into waste pipe baskets.
Don’t place oil lamps, agarbattis or candles on the floor or near combustible material.
Don’t wear loose, flowing clothes while cooking, especially avoid synthetic clothing.
Don’t keep crackers in your pocket or use fireworks inside the house.
Never light fireworks under confinement in a metal container.
Never light a flowerpot (anar) while holding it.
Never reach for any article over a fire.
Don’t refill a burning stove. And never leave open fire unattended.
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Helplines you should know
101 - Any fire accidents
The Central Government has introduced the unified emergency number 112, which consolidates all existing helpline numbers. This integrated service includes police, fire, and women helplines under a single accessible number.
112 India’s all in one emergency helpline number also offers panic call features
Smartphone users: In any emergency situation, you need to press the power button three times quickly on your smartphones to activate a panic call to the Emergency Response Center.
Normal phone users: You need to long press the number ‘5’ or ‘9’ to activate a panic call through your normal phones.
Government hospitals in India that treat burn injuries
Several government hospitals in India specialize in treating burn injuries. Here are some notable ones:
Safdarjung Hospital, New Delhi
Home to one of the largest burn units in India, offering specialized care for severe burn injuries.
Lok Nayak Jai Prakash Narayan Hospital, New Delhi
Provides comprehensive burn care with dedicated facilities for burn treatment and rehabilitation.
Kasturba Hospital, Mumbai
Equipped with a well-established burn unit that treats a high volume of burn cases.
Kasturba Hospital, Mumbai
Equipped with a well-established burn unit that treats a high volume of burn cases.
Victoria Hospital, Bangalore
Offers specialized burn care services, including a dedicated burns ward and intensive care for burn patients.
Government Kilpauk Medical College and Hospital, Chennai
Known for its specialized burn treatment facilities and experienced medical staff.
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King Edward Memorial Hospital, Mumbai
Features a dedicated burn unit providing extensive care for burn injuries.
Stanley Medical College and Hospital, Chennai
Provides specialized burn treatment with a focus on both acute and reconstructive care
All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), New Delhi
A premier medical institution with specialized departments, including burn treatment and plastic surgery.
Jawaharlal Institute of Postgraduate Medical Education & Research (JIPMER), Puducherry
Offers comprehensive burn care services, including emergency treatment and rehabilitation.
PGIMER, Chandigarh
Known for its advanced burn care unit and multidisciplinary approach to burn injuries.
Sion Hospital (Lokmanya Tilak Municipal General Hospital), Mumbai
Provides extensive burn care services with dedicated facilities and experienced medical professionals.
Rajiv Gandhi Government General Hospital, Chennai
Features a specialized burns unit offering acute care and reconstructive surgery.
Civil Hospital, Ahmedabad
Equipped with a burns unit providing emergency and long-term care for burn patients.
Institute of Medical Sciences, Banaras Hindu University (IMS-BHU), Varanasi
Offers specialized burn care and reconstructive surgery.
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Guwahati Medical College and Hospital, Guwahati
Provides comprehensive burn treatment services and has a dedicated burns unit.
Nair Hospital, Mumbai
Has specialized facilities for burn care and treatment.
Institute of Post Graduate Medical Education & Research (IPGMER and SSKM Hospital), Kolkata
Offers specialized burn care and treatment services.
It is important to note that Many state and district-level government hospitals across India also have burn units to cater to local populations.
How Milaap can help
Burn injuries can have devastating effects, requiring specialized and prolonged medical care. While government hospitals in India are equipped with dedicated burn units and skilled professionals to provide necessary treatment, the financial burden can still be overwhelming for many families. This is where crowdfunding platforms like Milaap come into play.
Milaap is India’s largest free crowdfunding platform that enables individuals to raise funds for medical emergencies, including burn injuries. By creating a campaign on Milaap, families can share their stories, connect with a wider community, and gather the financial support needed to cover medical expenses. The platform is user-friendly, secure, and has a proven track record of helping countless individuals and families in times of need. Start your fundraiser, today!
Fire accident and burn injury treatment success stories on Milaap
In times of need, support means everything, and with Milaap, you need not look any further. Milaap enables you to set up a fundraiser for any medical emergency within minutes, and you can easily raise funds for treatment expenses.
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