What does the increase in fire incidents in Baku in recent days indicate? What could be the main reasons for this? What should be the first step taken by building residents when a fire occurs? What are the most common mistakes?
Medianews.az turned to safety expert Elmar Nuraliyev with these and other questions.
E. Nuraliyev stated that fire safety in buildings should always be a priority: “There is a law on fire safety and enough other legal acts. Every issue is reflected in these documents. The presence of fire safety equipment is mandatory: reserve water tanks, fire hydrants, fire cabinets, alarms, primary fire extinguishing tools, evacuation routes... Each of these must be in working and proper condition. Also, there should be roads for free access to the building’s yard and safe assembly points. These rules and regulations are to ensure that during any fire incident, people suffer less harm. These must be strictly observed.
In general, when we look at the fire statistics, we see that the vast majority begin due to electrical short circuits. Of course, there are different types of fires: fires caused by the ignition of solid materials, or incidents emerging from flammable liquids, gases, and other explosive substances. Electrical short circuits, etc. Short circuits predominate. Therefore, electrical installations must always be kept in proper condition. Attention should be paid to avoiding overloading the electricity beyond the norm. The electrical facilities should be inspected annually. The inspection should be conducted by a specialized institution and a test protocol should be prepared. If there are deficiencies, they should be eliminated to reduce the risk.”
E. Nuraliyev noted that a faulty electrical network and overloading cause overheating, short circuit, and fire risks: “Naturally, this applies not only to multi-story buildings but also to yard houses. The electrical network must be monitored in any residence. Citizens must behave responsibly both toward themselves and others.
Owners and employees of non-residential premises located on the first floor of buildings are also obliged to comply with fire safety regulations.
At the same time, people should at least be informed about primary safety rules so that they can emerge from an incident with less harm. First of all, panic should be avoided. Use of the elevator is forbidden. Sometimes, in panic, people try to jump from balconies or windows of upper floors. This is unacceptable. During an incident, if everyone tries to go to staircases simultaneously, it causes congestion and ultimately an increase in the number of those poisoned by smoke. It is necessary to wet a cloth and cover the respiratory tract with it and try to leave the incident area accordingly. Of course, it is very important to assess the situation as accurately as possible here. If it is possible to go outside to an open area and conditions require it, one should exit. Conversely, if such an option does not exist, approaching the area near the window can attract help. They should be confident that rescuers will eventually come to save them. Another point to know is that during a fire at home, opening doors and windows allows incoming air masses inside, which can intensify the fire. Therefore, doors and windows should be kept closed in such cases.”
Nailə Qasımova,
Medianews.az
