Hyderabad: HYDRAA launches awareness programmes to prevent fires in summer; here are dos and don'ts

Hyderabad: Ahead of summer, Hyderabad Disaster Response and Asset Protection Agency (HYDRAA) has launched extensive awareness programmes to prevent fires.

Emphasising that fire safety is a shared responsibility, HYDRAA Commissioner A. V. Ranganath urged citizens, traders, and commercial establishments to strictly follow safety norms to prevent loss of life and property.

The Commissioner said HYDRAA inspections have already led to the sealing of some shops for violations. Following representations from shop owners and traders’ associations seeking time to comply, HYDRAA has granted a grace period till the end of February.

Simultaneously, large-scale awareness campaigns and mock drills are being conducted in coordination with line departments across the city.

Below are the key fire safety guidelines that citizens and establishments are advised to follow without exception:

1) Do not convert cellars into godowns

Use cellars only for parking, not for the storage of goods.

Avoid installing grills or locking cellars to protect stored items.

Ensure cellars are free of garbage; accumulated waste can trigger fires that endanger entire complexes.

No watchman residences, canteens, cooking, or burning of waste in cellars.

2) Keep access and exit routes clear

Keep ramps, corridors, and staircases unobstructed; do not block them with goods.

Install clear signage indicating emergency exit routes.

Never block stairways, assuming lifts can be used—lifts must not be used during fires; staircases are the only safe escape routes.

3) Use quality electrical equipment only

Install ISI/ISO-standard wires, switchboards, and panel boards.

Ensure proper earthing for all electrical lines.

Obtain power connections adequate to your load; adding ACs or heavy appliances later can cause overloads and tripping.

Provide separate, protected chambers (with concrete) for panel boards to prevent sparks from igniting fires.

Avoid overloading circuits and jointed wiring.

4) Install and maintain fire safety equipment

Fit smoke detectors in all buildings for early warning.

Install automatic water sprinklers to suppress fires without human intervention.

Keep fire extinguishers accessible and ensure they are functional through regular checks.

Train all staff in the proper use of fire extinguishers.

Install fire alarm systems (red emergency buttons) for immediate alerts.

5) Follow additional precautions

Keep bulbs and tube lights clear of curtains, clothes, or other materials; heat can slowly ignite nearby items.

Ensure decorative wiring, serial lights, and false-ceiling lighting are installed safely to prevent short circuits.

Be extra vigilant where commercial activity operates on the ground floors of apartment buildings.

Report any fire safety violations or potential hazards to the HYDRA Control Room at 9000113667 with details, photos/video,s and live location.

In case of fire, immediately dial 101 for the fire service.

HYDRAA appealed to all residents and business owners to act responsibly and adhere to these guidelines, stressing that timely precautions can avert major disasters during the peak summer months.