Have visible signage about where exits are placed. Lifts must have the do not use in case of fire signs
Smoke and flames rise from the Goa nightclub where a fire broke out after midnight Sunday, killing 25 people
More than 25 people were killed after a fire broke out at Birch By Romeo Lane in Arpora, Goa. There are at least 50 others who were injured and hospitalised, with many victims being staff.
A cylinder blast may have been the trigger, with people dying of burns and suffocation from smoke, but this is not about what caused the fire or investigations, even about the owners who have left India. We want this viewed as a cautionary tale for all establishments. Our paper reports from news agencies that the fire brigade will be conducting checks of various establishments by the end of this month.
As Mumbai moves into full party mode with Christmas and the New Year round the bend, it is upon establishments to ensure safety and security. Putting up boards about being ‘fire-compliant’ means little for your customers. They traipse in, barely glancing at that notice and then start partying.
Have visible signage about where exits are placed. Lifts must have the do not use in case of fire signs. Keep entrances and exits clear of obstructions so that a smooth getaway is ensured.
The passage and area outside must be lit so that people know where they are going. During high-footfall days, evenings, and nights, this is vital. If there are bouncers, and even regular staffers, they must have some training in case of emergencies.
Have an emergency address system, one that is clear and audible, with a command centre issuing instructions on how to move out. Even a couple of instructions during an evening out — where the music is lowered for a minute and the revellers are reminded about what exactly one can or must do in case of fire — is a good way to reinforce messages. It may also attest a panic-driven stampede, which is a big cause of most fire tragic fallouts. There is little use clucking about this if we do not learn from this horror.
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