Couple suffocate to death following apartment fire in Chennai

[vgane]

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Sad! When we are building apartments why safety is given a short shrift? This incident shows the callous attitude by our community folks!


Couple suffocate to death following apartment fire in Chennai

Chennai: January 16, 2016
T.Madhavan

In the early hours of Saturday, a couple died of asphyxiation caused by smoke from a fire that gutted their first-floor apartment in Nanganallur.
J. Venkataramani and his wife Sowmya, residents of Ram Nagar 8th Street in Nanganallur, suffocated to death from the smoke that engulfed their apartment following a fire caused by an electrical short-circuit, police said.

The two-storey apartment complex with nine flats did not have fire safety measures in place, the police said.

J. Venkataramani was working as advertisement officer with The Hindu.

The couple is survived by two children.

http://www.thehindu.com/news/cities...h-following-apartment-fire/article8113699.ece

 

[mkrishna100]

Very sad .

 

[yesmohan]

Very much sad and a pitiable incident.
In Chennai most of the apartments did not have fire safety measures.
Is it mandatory?

 

[vgane]

Very much sad and a pitiable incident.
In Chennai most of the apartments did not have fire safety measures.
Is it mandatory?

There is a fire prevention guide available...I am reproducing the content, though it is US focussed, for all our members! In India there is a National Building Code for Residential Apartments that has a section on Fire Saferty!

Within minutes, a small fire can spread and grow into a deadly fire. But with a few steps, you can protect yourself, your home and your belongings. First, closely inspect your home to eliminate potential hazards. Then, use these fire prevention tips and strategies to safeguard your home.


Apartment Safety

• Protect your appliances and your home by using surge protectors.
• Do not overload circuits or extension cords.
• Check electrical cords for appliances. Cords that are frayed or cracked are potential fire hazards. Unplug the cord immediately and replace.
• Do not run cords underneath rugs or between rooms.
• Never place portable space heaters near flammable materials, such as drapery.
• Turn off space heaters when leaving the room or going to bed.
• Do not smoke in bed or leave burning cigarettes unattended.
• Keep lighters and matches out of reach of children.
• Do not leave candles or incense unattended, and place these items away from drapes, curtains or other flammable materials.
• Do not store flammable materials, such as gasoline cans or a propane tank, in your apartment.

Kitchen Safety

• Remember to never leave food unattended on a stove.
• Keep potholders and towels away from the cooking area.
• Avoid wearing loose-fitting sleeves when cooking.

Smoke Alarms
Make sure there is a properly functioning smoke alarm installed in your apartment. To be extra cautious, install a smoke alarm outside of each sleeping area. These alarms can be battery-operated or electrically hardwired in your home. For renters who have hearing problems, use alarms that include flashing strobe lights and vibration. Test smoke alarms once a month, and replace batteries once a year. An easy reminder is to change the batteries when the clocks spring forward. A photo electric unit is better than ion unit in detecting fires

Escape Route
Though your apartment may be prepared, accidents do occur. Plan an escape route, and if you have roommates, plan for a safe place to meet outside.Have at least two escape routes planned in case one is blocked.

http://www.apartmentguide.com/blog/fire-prevention-tips/

 

[CHANDRU1849]

It is extremely a sad news.

The children must be taken care of well by their relatives till they go for employment.

Forum like this must do something to help the children to forget the tragedy as early as possible and to move on.