Malls told to beef up fire safety measures

Vijayawada: The state Disaster Response and Fire Services Department has conducted surprise checks at various shopping malls, pubs, function halls, restaurants and commercial complexes in the city to check fire safety measures on the eve of the New Year celebrations. The team was led by regional fire officer G Srinivas Rao.

Speaking to the media at a private mall in the city on Saturday, Srinivas Rao said surprise checks were held at 25 places to check the fire safety measures.

The managements of the business establishments were told to remove obstructions at staircases, exit ways and emergency exit doors besides providing smoke management to the entire premises. They were also told to install sign boards, route maps and emergency lighting in case of power failure.

Strict warning has been given to the pubs not to entertain persons below the age of 18 years, he added.

He said that portable fire extinguishers should be checked thoroughly and asked the managements to provide more fire extinguishers, sand buckets and water facility for the upcoming New Year event.

He further stated that additional staff should be provided to control public.
He appealed the people to dial 9100108101, 9949991060, 9949991061 in case of emergency.