Fire and Rescue Department intensifies safety audit in Kochi

KOCHI: In view of the Kakkanad mishap, where a woman fell to her death from the 14th floor of a highrise while trying to save the infant trapped in the apartment, the fire and rescue services department have intensified safety audit in all highrises in Kochi. A special team of fire and rescue officials have started inspecting all big residential and commercial complexes in the city and outskirts.

"The team will inspect all the safety aspects including access to the building, water storage facility within the apartment complex and non-compliance of National Building Code if any. Apart from this, awareness classes are being given to apartment dwellers, especially representatives of residents' associations and security personnel," said a top official at the district fire and rescue services.

The special team will visit buildings as per the instructions of Ernakulam divisional officer and the inspection report will be submitted to higher authorities for follow-up action. "It is a fact that there is rampant violation of fire and safety norms in highrises. While the builders and residents spend big money on aesthetic features, even the most important safety norms are compromised. Instances of violation of safety norms will be promptly reported after the inspection," the official added.

Meanwhile, department authorities feel that it is the apathy and ignorance of the public and builders which results in such preventable mishaps. "Though the department has a special team to give awareness classes on safety in big buildings, no residents' association or resident is interested in utilizing the service," he said. An earlier safety audit conducted by the department found that 782 buildings in the city, including schools and colleges,15 metres high and above, do not have adequate fire safety systems.