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.

 

I. FIRE SAFETY DO's & DON'Ts - RESIDENTIAL BUILDINGS (SUMMER SEASON)

A.  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.

 

B. 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.

C.     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.

 

II. FIRE SAFETY DO's & DON'T's - COMMERCIAL ESTABLISHMENTS (SUMMER SEASON)

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

 

A.    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.

 

B. 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.

 

C. 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.

 

(DIPR)