This report is detailed study of the research conducted in Kirori Mal College. The basic objective of this report is to get a tough insight in the use of research techniques. Geography, being a field science, a geographical enquiry always need to been supplemented through well planned Research. Research is an essential component of geographic enquire. It is a basic procedure to understand the earth as a home of humankind. Disaster management is an inseparable part of the discipline especially which deals with the study of natural phenomena. This research focuses upon the FIRE safety plan of the institution. It is carried out through observation, sketching, measurement, interviews, etc. The Research facilitate the collection of local level information that is not available through secondary sources. In this report, various methodologies have been employed such as my, measurement and interviewing, photographing, examining, the collection and gathering of information at different corners of the institution and later, tabulating and computing them is an important part of the field work. Furthermore, the research report has been prepared in concise form alongside with maps and diagrams for giving visual impressions. Moreover, it contains all the details of the procedures followed, methods, tools and techniques employed.

1. FIRE SAFETY REPORT
DISASTER PREVENTION & PREPAREDNESS PLAN
ON FIRE IN KIRORI MAL COLLEGE
KIRORI MAL COLLEGE
UNIVERSITY OF DELHI

2. PREFACE
This report is detailed study of the research conducted in Kirori Mal College. The basic
objective of this report is to get a tough insight in the use of research techniques. Geography,
being a field science, a geographical enquiry always need to been supplemented through well
planned Research. Research is an essential component of geographic enquire. It is a basic
procedure to understand the earth as a home of humankind. Disaster management is an
inseparable part of the discipline especially which deals with the study of natural phenomena.
This research focuses upon the FIRE safety plan of the institution. It is carried out through
observation, sketching, measurement, interviews, etc. The Research facilitate the collection of
local level information that is not available through secondary sources.
In this report, various methodologies have been employed such as my, measurement and
interviewing, photographing, examining, the collection and gathering of information at
different corners of the institution and later, tabulating and computing them is an important part
of the field work.
Furthermore, the research report has been prepared in concise form alongside with maps and
diagrams for giving visual impressions. Moreover, it contains all the details of the procedures
followed, methods, tools and techniques employed.

3. ACKNOWLEDGEMENT
I take this opportunity to express my profound gratitude and deep regards to my mentors and
guiding sources, Dr. Seema Mehra Parihar and Dr. Md. Baber Ali for their exemplary guidance,
monitoring and constant encouragement throughout the course of this thesis. The preparation
of this report would not have been possible without their valuable contribution in the form of
blessings, help and guidance. I also express my thanks to Department of Geography, Kirori
Mal College and University of Delhi for making this field survey possible.
I acknowledge my gratitude to various secondary sources such as various websites which
helped in the collection of data about the place to be visited and techniques to be used in the
field prior to the field survey.
I would also like to thank the institution officials and faculty members for their great
cooperation with us. Last but not the least, I thank The Almighty, my parents, friends, other
fellow bachelors for their constant encouragement without which the assignment would not
have seen the dawn.

4. 1. Introduction
1.1 Fire
1.2 Basic principles of combustion
1.3 Fire extinction
1.5 Fire Hazards and Safety
1.4 Means of Egress
1.5 Important phone numbers
1.6 Glossary
2. Study Area
2.1 Introduction
2.2 Climate
2.2 Map
3. The themes, Aims and Objectives
3.1 Objectives
3.2 Methodology
3.3 Literature Review
3.4 References
4. Emergency evacuation
4.1 Observations
4.2 Types of exit
4.3 Decision making
6. Suggestions and Strategies
7. Conclusion
8.Bibliography
CONTENTS

5. 1
CHAPTER - 1
INTRODUCTION TO THE DISASTER
1.1 FIRE
Fire is the rapid oxidation of a material in the exothermic chemical process of combustion,
releasing heat, light, and various reaction products.
Fire is a very good servant, but, a very bad master. As long as fire is under our control, it
serves a lot of useful purposes for us, but, once it goes out of our control, it can create a lot of
destruction. However, despite the presence of fire safety measures, the occurrence of
accidents is oftentimes inevitable.
It is this combination (of good servant and bad master), which is dangerous.
Because of the useful purposes that it serves, people keep sources of fire in/around their
houses/workplace. And, these sources could sometimes result in "undesired" fire. Had fire
been something, which serves no useful purpose – the number of incidents of fire would have
been very less – as people won’t keep sources of fire around them.
Thus, the occurrence of fire-related accidents is oftentimes inevitable - in spite of all the
safety precautions. For this reason, an insurance policy should always be taken.
The most common causes of fire are:
Electrical
Pantry Area
Smoking
1.1.1 BASIC PRINCIPLES OF COMBUSTION
o Matter can exist in three states-solid, liquid or gas/vapour. These states are interchangeable
by alteration of the temperature and pressure exerted on them. For instance, water can exist in
all three states-liquid at normal temperature, as ice (solid state) at 0o C, and as vapour above
100o C.
o Matter possesses mass and occupies space. Some substances are heavier than others. For eg:
Iron sinks in water, whereas wood floats on water. This is because wood has a lower density
(mass per unit volume) than iron.
o Density of a substance can be calculated by dividing the mass of the substance by its volume:
Density = Mass/ Volume. Density is measured in kg/m3 or g/cm3. Water has a density of
1g/cm3. The ratio of the mass of any volume of a solid or a liquid substance to the mass of an
equal volume of water is known as relative density or specific gravity.
Relative density = mass of any volume of the substance or specific Gravity mass of an equal
volume of water (The specific gravity of water is taken as 1 at 4C).
Vapour Density- The vapour density (VD) of a gas or vapour is generally denoted in relation
to the density of equal volume of hydrogen, which is the lightest gas. However, for fire
service purposes, for ease of practical application, VD of gases and vapours are compared
with the density of dry air, which is 1.

6. 2
o Density of liquids and gases have a significant bearing on fire protection technology
applications. For instance, the density or specific gravity of a burning liquid determines partly
whether water can be used as a extinguishing agent on it.
o Water miscibility of the liquid is also a matter to be reckoned with. Likewise, the density of a
gas or vapour determines whether it will be accumulating at higher or lower levels of a
building. It is a well-known fact that petrol and other flammable liquids float on water, and
hence, water jets which are effective for extinguishing ordinary fires will be ineffective in
extinguishing a burning petrol tank fire.
o If a volume of a gas has positive
buoyancy, it is lighter than air,
and will tend to rise. If it has
negative buoyancy, it is heavier
than air and will tend to sink. If
propane, the main component of
Liquid Petroleum Gas (LPG),
leaks from a cylinder, it will
accumulate at lower levels and
will present a serious fire and
explosion hazard.
1.1.1.1 Specific Heat
o When heat is applied to a body, its temperature rises. The heat energy required to raise the
temperature of unit mass of a substance through 1C is referred to as specific heat capacity of
the substance (J/kg per C).
o Materials with a low specific heat capacity will heat up more rapidly in a fire situation than
those of high specific heat capacity. Petrol, Alcohol etc. have low specific heat capacity and
vaporise readily. Low specific heat capacities are of considerable importance in promoting
fire risks.
o The specific heat capacity of water is unusually high, viz., 4200j/kg(4.2kJ/kg) per C. This is
one of the reasons why water is effective as an extinguishing agent.
o When a container with water is heated, the temperature of the water goes on rising until it
reaches 100C, the BP of water. At this temperature the water boils. However, the
temperature remains constant at 100C, although heat continues to be applied to the
container. This heat which is absorbed by water for conversion to steam (vapour stage) is
what is known as latent heat of vaporisation of water. The latent heat of vaporisation of water
is extremely high, approx.
2260kJ/kg. This is the main
reason why water is chosen as an
extinguishing agent.
o Heat is absorbed during the
change of state from solid to
liquid also. Ice melts to form
water and heat is absorbed. It
takes 336 kJ to convert 1kg of ice
at 0oC to water at the same
temperature. Likewise, when
water at 0oC freezes to form ice, the same quantity of heat is given out for every 1kg of ice
formed. This is called the latent heat of fusion of ice. Other substances also exhibit the same
phenomenon of absorbing latent heat when they melt, and giving out latent heat on
solidifying.

7. 3
1.1.1.2 Thermal expansion
o A substance expands when heated, unless prevented by some external cause. On heating
liquids expand about ten times more than solids. Gases expand about 100 times more than
liquids. Solid expands when heated, in all three dimensions, increasing in length, breadth and
thickness. More often the increase in length is more predominant.
o The amount by which unit length of a solid substance expands when its temperature is raised
by 1 degree is called the co-efficient of linear expansion of the substance. For steel, the co-
efficient of linear expansion is 0.000012 per C. The typical values of linear expansion for a
few other solids are:
Copper - 0.000017 per C
Aluminium - 0.000023 per C
Concrete - 0.000012 per C
o This thermal expansion phenomenon has to be kept in view for building design and
construction, and is quite relevant while a building gets involved in fire. The heat on the inner
side of a wall of a burning building may cause it to expand at a higher rate than the other side,
thus causing the wall to bulge outwards, or even leading to collapse.
o More than in solids and liquids, thermal
expansion is more apparent in gases. Hence
the pressure exerted by a gas increases when
heated. Thus, in the case of gases, there are
three variables involved in thermal
expansion process - temperature, pressure
and volume.
o Heat is transferred from regions of higher
temperature to regions of lower temperature.
This transmission or transfer of heat is
achieved through three methods - (i)
Conduction, (ii) Convection or (iii)
Radiation.
 The primary hazards of gases arise from:
(a) Hazards of confinement - Gases expand
when heated leading to pressure increase
resulting in gas release and (or) container
failure;
(b) Hazards of fire - Containers can fail due
to metal fatigue, and can result in explosion.
Flammable liquids, including LPG, in
containers/vessels, when exposed to fire, can result in violent explosion, a phenomenon
known by the term, BLEVE, meaning Boiling Liquid Expanding Vapour Explosion, which
has immense damage potential.
Flammable vapours, when released into the air, can mix with air, and when in correct
proportions, can result in violent explosion known by the term UVCE, meaning Unconfined
Vapour Cloud Explosion, with great damage potential. Under fire conditions, liquifiable
gases are more hazardous than permanent gases.
1.1.2 FIRE EXTINCTION METHODS
In order to start most fires we need a source of ignition (Heat), something
combustible (Fuel) and air (Oxygen). Take any one of these away and the fire is

8. 4
extinguished, control all three and a fire will not start. It has been shown from the triangle of
fire that three factors are essential for
combustion, namely;
i) the presence of a fuel, or combustible
substances;
ii) the presence of oxygen(usually as air) or
other supporter of combustion; and
iii) the attainment and maintenance of a certain
minimum temperature.
Fire extinction, in principle, consists in the
limitation or elimination of one ore more of
these factors, and the methods of extinguishing
fire may be classified conveniently under the
following headings:
(a) Starvation (or the limitation of fuel);
(b) Smothering / Blanketing (or the limitation
of oxygen); and
(c) Cooling (or the limitation of temperature).
In practice, specific methods of fire extinction
often embody more than one of these principles,
but it will be convenient to consider them according to the main principle involved.
1.1.3 CLASSIFICATION OF FIRES
Internationally accepted classification of fires is as follows:
Class A
҂ These are fires involving solid materials normally of an organic nature (compounds of
carbon), in which combustion generally occurs with the formation of glowing embers.
҂ These fires are the most common.
Effective extinguishing agent is generally water in the form of a jet or spray.
Class B
҂ These are fires involving liquids or liquefiable solids. For the purpose of choosing effective
extinguishing agents, flammable liquids may be divided into two groups:

9. 5
i. Those that are miscible with water, and
ii. Those that are immiscible with water.
҂ Depending on (i) and (ii), the extinguishing agents include water spray, foam, vapourising
liquids, carbon dioxide and chemical powders.
Class C
These are fires involving gases or liquified gases in the form of a liquid spillage, or a liquid
or gas leak, and these include methane, propane, butane, etc. Foam or dry chemical powder
can be used to control fires involving shallow liquid spills.
Class D
҂ These are fires involving metals. Extinguishing agents containing water are ineffective, and
even dangerous. Carbon dioxide and the bicarbonate classes of dry chemical powders may
also be hazardous if applied to most metal fires.
҂ Powdered graphite, powdered talc, soda ash, limestone and dry sand are normally suitable for
class D. fires. Special fusing powders have been developed for fires involving some metals,
especially the radioactive ones. Presently special dry chemical powders have been developed
for extinguishing metal fires.
Electrical fires
҂ It is not considered, according to present-day ideas, that electrical fires constitute a separate
class, since any fire involving, or started by, electrical equipment, must, in fact, be a fire of
class A, B or D.
҂ The normal procedure in such circumstances is to cut off the electricity and use any
extinguishing method appropriate to what is burning.
҂ Only when this cannot be done with certainty will special extinguishing agents be required
which are non-damaging to equipment. These include vapourising liquids, dry powders
carbon-di-oxide, and other gaseous extinguishing agents.
1.1.4 EXTINGUISHING AGENTS / MEDIA WATER
҂ Despite the many new techniques which have come to the assistance of firemen, water is still
the most efficient, cheapest and most readily available medium for extinguishing fires of a
general nature. The method of applying water to a fire varies according to the size of the fire.
҂ For major fires, greater quantities of water are necessary, and the built-in pumps driven by
the vehicles. engines are often capable of pumping 4500 litres (1000 gallons) per minute (or
more) giving the necessary energy to the water to provide adequate striking power.
҂ A variation in the application of water can be made by means of nozzles that produce jets or
sprays ranging from large sized droplets down to atomised fog effects. Judicious use of this
type of application can not only cut down the amount of water used, minimizing water
damage, but will ensure that it is used to greater effect.
҂ Some of the special properties which make water as the most efficient and generally accepted
extinguishing agent are:
 Water has a high specific heat capacity are 4.2 kJ / kg / per C
 Water has a high latent heat of evaporation per unit mass, at least 4 times higher than
that of any other non-flammable liquid
 It is outstandingly non-toxic.
 Its B.P. (100oC) is well below the 250oC to 450oC range of pyrolysis temperatures
for most solid combustibles.

10. 6
 Water extinguishes a fire by a combination of mechanisms cooling the combustible
substance, cooling the flame itself, generating steam that prevents oxygen access, and
as fog blocking the radiative transfer of heat.
“Smoke and Fire are the greatest dangers we face in College Buildings. Smoke is the
greatest danger to life and Fire the greatest danger to property.”
Fires are started either because people are careless with fire hazards or because they are not
alert to fire hazards. This plan deals with what happens to people if a fire is started. This plan
has three objectives:
1. To ensure that the people know what to do if there is a fire;
2. To ensure that the College can be safely evacuated; and
3. To alert people of some of the fire hazards the College is providing contingency
measures against.
Protocol to be followed during emergency:
 Determine the scope and impact of the incident
 Prioritize emergency actions
 Deploy and coordinate resources and equipment
 Communicate information and instructions through the appropriate chain of
command.
 Monitor and re-evaluate conditions.
 Supply on a routine basis updated information to the Incident Commander.
 Coordinate with government agencies.
1.2 FIRE HAZARDS AND SAFETY
Fire hazards include all types of live flames, causes of sparks, hot objects, and chemicals that
are potential for ignition, or that can aggravate a fire to become large and uncontrolled. Fire
hazards also include all types of potential threats to fire prevention practices, firefighting,
built-in fire safety systems and situations that restrict the escape of people from an affected
building or area in the event of a fire. Fire hazards pose threats to life and property. It is,
therefore, the prime object of safety systems to detect, remove or reduce the risk of fire
threatened by those potential hazards.
Uneven Distribution of Incidents
Incidents of fires are usually not evenly distributed. There are higher number of fires during:
 Summer season: Due to higher ambient temperature; as well as leaves etc. being dry -
catch fire easily. This is the time, when many forest-fires start.
 Some specific festive events – due to use/availability of fire-crackers, and/or lights
etc. Fire based lights could pose a direct fire-risk, while, electricity based lighting
could cause the risk due to overloading.
Hence, it’s more important to be especially careful during these periods. Not only are the
chances of incidents higher, but, the chances of your local fire department being overloaded

11. 7
is also very high. This might have an impact on their ability to respond swiftly to your call –
in case there is a need – as they could be busy fighting fire elsewhere.
The following fire hazards are common at home, in public places, transports and work places:
 Electric wires, higher loads, loose connections and old electrical equipment
 All cooking and heat generating appliances
 Smoking and personal lighters and matches
 Fireworks, pyro techniques, ammunitions and explosives
 Improper and unauthorized stowage of flammable and hazardous materials and
chemicals especially the flammable ones
 Insufficient capacity and numbers of emergency exits and stairs
 Insufficient numbers and types of fire extinguishers
 Absence of fire detection and alarm system
 Violation of building and fire codes
Fire safety is the set of practices intended to reduce the destruction caused by fire. Fire safety
measures include those that are intended to prevent ignition of an uncontrolled fire, and those
that are used to limit the development and effects of a fire after it starts.
Fire safety measures include those that are planned during the construction of a building or
implemented in structures that are already standing, and those that are taught to occupants of
the building. Threats to fire safety are commonly referred to as fire hazards.
“Smoke and Fire are the greatest dangers we face in College Buildings. Smoke is the
greatest danger to life and Fire the greatest danger to property.”
Fires are started either because people are careless with fire hazards or because they are not
alert to fire hazards. This plan deals with what happens to people if a fire is started. This plan
has three objectives:
1. To ensure that the people know what to do if there is a fire;
2. To ensure that the College can be safely evacuated; and
3. To alert people of some of the fire hazards the College is providing contingency
measures against.
Protocol to be followed during emergency:
 Determine the scope and impact of the incident
 Prioritize emergency actions
 Deploy and coordinate resources and equipment
 Communicate information and instructions through the appropriate chain of
command.
 Monitor and re-evaluate conditions.
 Supply on a routine basis updated information to the Incident Commander.
 Coordinate with government agencies.
Means of Egress
All residential buildings have at least one means of egress (way of exiting the building), and
most have at least two. There are several different types of egress:
Interior Stairs

12. 8
All buildings have stairs leading to the street level. These stairs may be enclosed or
unenclosed. Unenclosed stairwells (stairs that are not separated from the hallways by walls
and doors) do not prevent the spread of flame, heat, and smoke. Since flame, heat, and smoke
generally rise, unenclosed stairwells may not ensure safe egress in the event of a fire on a
lower floor. Enclosed stairs are more likely to permit safe egress from the building if the
doors are kept closed. It is important to get familiar with the means of egress available in
your building.
Exterior Stairs
Some buildings provide access to the apartments by means of stairs and corridors that are
outdoors. The fact that they are outdoors and do not trap heat and smoke enhances their
safety in the event of a fire, provided that they are not obstructed.
Fire Tower Stairs
These are generally enclosed stairwells in a “tower” separated from the building by air shafts
open to the outside. The open-air shafts allow heat and smoke to escape from the building.
Fire Escapes
Many older buildings are equipped with a fire escape on the outside of the building, which is
accessed through a window or balcony. Fire escapes are considered a “secondary” or
alternative means of egress and are to be used if the primary means of egress (stairwells)
cannot be safely used to exit the building because they are obstructed by flame, heat, or
smoke.
Exits
Most buildings have more than one exit. In addition to the main entrance to the building,
there may be separate side exits, rear exits, basement exits, roof exits, and exits to the street
from stairwells. Some of these exits may have alarms. Not all of these exits may lead to the
street. Roof exits may or may not allow access to adjoining buildings.
1.2.1 EVACUATION
Based on the nature of the incident, individuals may be instructed to shelter-in-place, relocate
within the building, or evacuate.
o Sheltering–In-Place
The precaution of directing building occupants to remain inside the building at their work
locations in response to an emergency. This is a precaution aimed to keep you safe while
remaining indoors. Shelter-in-place means selecting a small, interior room, with no or few
windows and taking refuge there.
o In-Building Relocation
The controlled movement of building occupants from an endangered area of a building to an
in-building relocation area within the same building during an emergency to assemble at a
safe place for roll call.
o Partial Evacuation
The emptying of a building of some but not all occupants during an emergency to assemble at
a safe place for roll call.
Action to be taken if you discover a fire.
o Sound the alarm by operating a call point unit. This will sound the alarm
throughout the College and alert others.
o Attack the fire with the extinguishers or fire blanket (as appropriate) provided in all common
areas and escape routes on the premises.
o Leave the building in an orderly manner, by the shortest escape route closing

13. 9
the door firmly behind you. Do not let smoke escape out of the room. It may happen that your
passage is blocked by smoke. Some rooms (because of their situation) have secondary escape
routes in the form of small doors, hatches, trap doors etc. through which you can reach
another room/staircase/floor.
o Individuals should not use elevators because they may become inoperative due to the fire. If
possible, abled persons should assist disabled persons in exiting the building. Disabled
persons who cannot use stairs should wait in the stairwell until the Department of Public
Safety or firefighters arrive.
o Individuals should not if Department of Public Safety officers or fire authorities of the
location of any disabled persons remaining in the building. Individuals should also notify
Department of Public Safety officers or firefighters if they suspect that someone may be
trapped inside.
o The fire alarm may not sound continuously. Even if the alarm stops, individuals should
continue the evacuation. Warn others who may enter the building after the alarm stops.
o Form a single-file line at the stairwell door and proceed down the stairs to the floor
designated in the evacuation instructions.
o Keep conversation to a minimum.
o Individuals should evacuate to a distance of at least 500 feet from the building and out of the
way of emergency personnel. Individuals should not return to the building until instructed to
do so by the Public Safety officers or other authorized personnel.
o When a fire alarm has been sounded or a fire otherwise reported to the Department of Public
Safety, the Department of Public Safety dispatcher will initiate the notification procedures for
contacting appropriate personnel.
o Do not re-enter the evacuated area until it is declared safe by the Fire.
Action to be taken when you hear the alarm
o Leave the building in an orderly manner after closing any open window. Close
the door to your room firmly behind you.
o Do not stop to collect personal belongings, take only your mobile phone if it is
to hand.
o If you see any Signs of Fire during your escape go directly to the Lodge and
report to the Lodge Porter where and what you have seen.
If evacuation is not possible because routes are blocked by fire or smoke:
o Call evacuation team.
o Use Clothing or other materials to fill areas around ventilation ducts and cracks in the doors
to prevent smoke-filled air from penetrating.
o Hang a cloth or other signal outside to attract the attention of fire personnel.
o Do not break the glass. Under certain conditions, an open window may draw smoke.
Assemble at an entrance to a fire stairway and listen to the fire safety director over the public-
address system, or through your floor warden. Once the fire department arrives, they will
give further instructions through the safety director.
1.2.2 PRECAUTIONS
The susceptibility of buildings to fire depends on several factors like:
 Type and size of building,
 method of construction,
 combustibility of materials of construction,
 the type of occupancy,
 age of the building,

14. 10
 degree of fire resistance,
 the type of building services,
 fire load. of the building,
 fire prevention, and fire protection arrangements of the building,
 and scores of others, including the human factor.
However, for purposes of analysis of the various fire hazards in buildings it is common to
divide these hazards into:
(i) Internal hazards- which arise inside the building and which concern the safety of the
occupants (Personal Hazard or more widely known as Life Hazard): and which concerns the
safety of the structure and the contents; and
(ii) External hazards - which arise as a result of fires in surrounding property (Exposure
Hazard). The relative degree of each of these hazards will vary according to the type of
occupancy of the building - An Assembly occupancy will
be having predominantly life hazards, whereas a Storage occupancy will have primarily a
damage hazard, ie., hazard to the structure and contents.
Fire Precautions taken by the College for the protection of College residents, visitors and
staff include:
 Signed, protected escape routes and staircases.
 Emergency lights on escape routes.
 Heat and smoke detectors throughout the building.
 Fire alarm with break-glass call points, (detectors are automatically linked).
 Provision of fire extinguishers and fire blankets.
 Flame retardant textiles and foam in furniture, curtains and carpets.
 Emergency control point manned 24hours in the Lodge for the fire alarm control panel
and all relevant information about utilities, plans, instructions and personnel at risk.
 Daily/weekly/monthly inspection of rooms and escape routes.
 Weekly inspection and yearly test of fire extinguishers.
 Monthly/yearly testing of emergency lighting.
 Monthly/yearly fire alarm bell/sounder tests.
 Tertiary evacuation exercises.
 An ongoing management program of risk-assessment and review.
 An ongoing maintenance program of servicing, refurbishment and renewal.
 Emergency Plan should be made by all Educational Institutions, and evacuation drills
should be organized at regular intervals, which should be not less than once a quarter;
 Along with the evacuation drills, it will be desirable to organize short duration special
training programs on any safety subject, so that the students from their very young age
will be suitably trained in inculcating safety habits.
Building Construction
In a fire emergency, the decision to leave or to stay in your apartment will depend in part on
the type of building you are in. Residential buildings classified as “non-combustible” or
“fireproof” building is a building whose structural components (the supporting elements of
the building, such as steel or reinforced concrete beams and floors) are constructed of
materials that do not burn or are resistant to fire and, therefore, will not contribute to the
spread of the fire. In such buildings, fires are more likely to be contained in the apartment or
part thereof in which they start and less likely to spread inside the building walls to other
apartments and floors. This
Does not mean that the building is immune to fire. While the structural components of the
building may not catch fire, all the contents of the building (including furniture, carpeting,

15. 11
wood floors, decorations, and personal belongings) may catch on fire and generate flame,
heat, and large amounts of smoke, which can travel throughout the building, especially if
apartment or stairwell doors are left open. In such buildings, the fire can spread inside the
building walls to other apartments and floors, in addition to the flame, heat, and smoke that
can be generated by the burning of the contents of the building.
In the present days, it is perhaps impractical to totally eliminate all fire hazards from
buildings, and thus bring about optimum fire safety, However, it is possible to relate the use
and amount of combustibles to a common datum in an attempt to balance the fire risks among
different types of building construction and different occupancies. While formulating a fire
protection scheme for any premises, it will be necessary to have an integrated approach to the
problem starting right from the design stage, thereby ensuring that adequate and
suitable fire protection measures, both active and passive, are incorporated while finalising
the design of the occupancy. It has to be borne in mind that the ability of the fire service to
contain or extinguish a fire is considerably reduced if the fire spread is faster than it could be
controlled effectively, because of lack of proper fire safety design and constructions of the
building.
1.5 IMPORTNANT PHONE NUMBERS
Fire service (All over India): 101
Ambulance helpline (All over India): 102; 1092
Ambulance Service (New Delhi): 1066
Delhi Police Helpline: 1090
CGHS Helpline, Directorate General of Health Services (New Delhi): 155224
Disaster Management of Govt. of NCT (New Delhi): 1077
NEAREST HOSPITAL
҂ World University Service (WUS) Health centre
University Of Delhi
Phone: 27667908
҂ Hindu Rao Hospital, DR. J.S. Karanwal Memorial Road, Near Malka Ganj,
Phone: 011 2391 9476
FIRE STATION
Satyawati Marg, Opp. Police Station,
Roop Nagar
Phone: 011 2384 2505
POLICE STATION
Satyawati Marg, Block 6, Roop Nagar
Phone: 011 2384 4632

16. 12
1.6 GLOSSARY
 Fire: Any instance of open flame or other burning in a place not intended to contain the
burning or in an uncontrolled manner.
 Unintentional Fire: A fire that does not involve an intentional human act to ignite or spread
fire into an area where the fire should not be.
 Intentional Fire: A fire that is ignited, or that results from a deliberate action, in
circumstances where the person knows there should not be a fire.
 Undetermined Fire: A fire in which the cause cannot be determined.
 Fire-related Injury: Any instance in which a person is injured as a result of a fire, including
an injury sustained from a natural or accidental cause, while involved in fire control,
attempting rescue, or escaping from the dangers of the fire.
 Fire-related Death: Any instance in which a person (i) is killed as a result of a fire,
including death resulting from a natural or accidental cause while involved in fire control,
attempting rescue, or escaping from the dangers or a fire or (ii) dies within one year of
injuries sustained as a result of the fire.
 Value of Property Damage: The estimated value of the loss of the structure and contents, in
terms of the cost of replacement in like kind and quantity.
 Fire Drill: A supervised practice of a mandatory evacuation of a building for a fire.
 Alternative escape routes
Escape routes sufficiently separated by either direction and space, or by fire resisting
construction, to ensure that one is still available, should the other be affected by fire.
Note:- A second stair, balcony or flat roof which enables a person to reach a place of safety.
 Exposure Hazard
The risk of fire spreading from a building, structure or other property to an adjoining building
or structure, or to another part of the same building or structure by radiated heat across the
intervening space.
 Fire Detector
A device which gives a signal in response to a change in the ambient conditions in the
vicinity or within the range of the detector, due to a fire.
 Fire Door
A fire-resistive door approved for openings in fire separation walls.
 Fire Exit
A way out leading to an escape route. This can either be a doorway or even a horizontal exit.
 Fire Point
Is the lowest temperature at which the heat from the combustion of a burning vapour is
capable of producing sufficient vapour to enable combustion to be sustained.
 Fire Prevention
The whole set of precautions to prevent the outbreak of fire and to limit its effects.
 Fire Protection
Design features, systems or equipment in a building, structure or other fire risk, to minimize
the danger to persons and property by detecting, containing and/or extinguishing fires.
 Fire Resistance
Fire resistance is a property of an element of building construction and is the measure of its
ability to satisfy for a stated period some or all of the following criteria:
o Resistance to collapse
o Resistance to penetration of flame and hot gases, and
o Resistance to temperature rise on the unexposed face upto a maximum of 180C and /
or average temperature of 150 C

17. 13
 Roof Exits
A means of escape on to the roof of a building where the roof has access to it from the
ground. The exit shall have adequate cut-off within the building from staircase below.
 Refuge Area
An area where persons unable to use stairways can remain temporarily to await instructions
or assistance during emergency evacuation.
 Stairway (Enclosed)
A stairway in a building, physically separated (eg. by walls, partitions, screens, barriers etc.)
from the accommodation through which it passes, but not necessarily a protected stairway. For
buildings more than 24m in height, refuge area of 15 sq. m or an area equivalent to 0.3 sq. m
per person to accommodate the occupants of two consecutive floors, whichever is higher, shall
be provided as under. For floors above 24 mt and up to 39 m - One refuge area on the floor
immediately above 24 m. For floors above 39 m- One refuge area on the floor immediately
above 39 m and so on after every 15 m. Refuge area provided in excess of the requirements
shall be counted towards FAR. The refuge area shall be provided on the periphery of the floor
and open to air, at-least on one side, protected with suitable railings.

18. 14
CHAPTER II
STUDY AREA
AREA OF STUDY: Kirori Mal College
LOCATION: North Campus
ESTABLISHED: 1954
AREA: 17 Acres
GEOGRAPHICAL LOCATION:
Latitude- 28 41’1.29” N
Longitude- 77 12’ 25.47” E
Accredited as an ‘A+’ grade college, Kirori Mal College, University of Delhi is located in the
University Enclave of Delhi University near Kamla Nehru Ridge in the North district of
Delhi. Kirori Mal College is one of the constituent college of the University of Delhi,
located in the North Campus of DU, in New Delhi, India. Established in 1954. It offers
undergraduate and graduate courses in science, arts, and commerce. It offers extracurricular
activities and is known for theatre, music and art. The college has about 5000 students of
which 150-170 students reside in the Hostel. Students and alumni of this college are often
called Kirorians. One of the most prestigious colleges of University of Delhi, it admits
students with high academic cut-offs. National Assessment and Accreditation
Council accredited it with a CGPA of 3.54(A+) in 2016, which is third highest among
all Delhi University colleges.
CAUSES OF FIRE:
Vulnerabilities:
 Cooking is the leading cause of home fires and home fire injuries. Unattended
cooking is the leading factor contributing to these fires. Frying poses the greatest risk
of fire. More than half of all cooking fire injuries occurred when people tried to fight
the fire themselves.
 Smoking has been the leading cause of home fire deaths for decades. Two-thirds
(66%) of the home smoking material fire fatalities resulted from fires originating with
upholstered furniture or with mattresses or bedding.
 Heating equipment was involved in one of every five home fire deaths.
 Intentional fires were the fourth leading cause of home fires.
Climate:
The climate of Delhi is an overlap between monsoon-influenced humid subtropical (Köppen
climate classification, Cwa) and semi-arid (Köppen climate classification BSh), with high
variation between summer and winter temperatures and precipitation. Delhi's version of
a humid subtropical climate is markedly different from many other humid subtropical cities
such as Sao Paulo, New Orleans and Brisbane in that the city features dust storms(something

19. 15
more commonly seen in a desert climate), has relatively dry short winters and has a
prolonged spell of very hot weather, due to its semi-arid climate.
Climate data for Delhi (Safdarjung) 1971–1990
Month Ja
n
Fe
b
Ma
r
Ap
r
Ma
y
Jun Jul Au
g
Sep Oct No
v
De
c
Yea
r
Record high
°C (°F)
30.
0
(86
)
34.
1
(93
.4)
40.
6
(10
5.1)
45.
6
(11
4.1)
47.
2
(11
7)
46.
7
(11
6.1)
45.
0
(11
3)
42.
0
(10
7.6)
40.
6
(10
5.1)
39.
4
(10
2.9)
36.
1
(97
)
29.
3
(84
.7)
47.
2
(11
7)
Average high
°C (°F)
21.
0
(69
.8)
23.
5
(74
.3)
29.
2
(84.
6)
36.
0
(96.
8)
39.
2
(10
2.6)
38.
8
(10
1.8)
34.
7
(94
.5)
33.
6
(92.
5)
34.
2
(93.
6)
33.
0
(91.
4)
28.
3
(82
.9)
22.
9
(73
.2)
31.
2
(88.
2)
Daily mean °C
(°F)
14.
3
(57
.7)
16.
8
(62
.2)
22.
3
(72.
1)
28.
8
(83.
8)
32.
5
(90.
5)
33.
4
(92.
1)
30.
8
(87
.4)
30.
0
(86
)
29.
5
(85.
1)
26.
3
(79.
3)
20.
8
(69
.4)
15.
7
(60
.3)
25.
1
(77.
2)
Average low
°C (°F)
7.6
(45
.7)
10.
1
(50
.2)
15.
3
(59.
5)
21.
6
(70.
9)
25.
9
(78.
6)
27.
8
(82
)
26.
8
(80
.2)
26.
3
(79.
3)
24.
7
(76.
5)
19.
6
(67.
3)
13.
2
(55
.8)
8.5
(47
.3)
19.
0
(66.
2)
Record low °C
(°F)
−0.
6
(30
.9)
1.6
(34
.9)
4.4
(39.
9)
10.
7
(51.
3)
15.
2
(59.
4)
18.
9
(66
)
20.
3
(68
.5)
20.
7
(69.
3)
17.
3
(63.
1)
9.4
(48.
9)
3.9
(39
)
1.1
(34
)
−0.
6
(30.
9)
Average preci
pitation mm
(inches)
19
(0.
75)
20
(0.
79)
15
(0.5
9)
21
(0.8
3)
25
(0.9
8)
70
(2.7
6)
23
7
(9.
33)
235
(9.2
5)
113
(4.4
5)
17
(0.6
7)
9
(0.
35)
9
(0.
35)
790
(31.
1)
Average
precipitation
days (≥ 1.0
mm)
1.7 2.5 2.5 2.0 2.8 5.5 13.
0
12.
1
5.7 1.7 0.6 1.6 51.
7
Average relati
ve
humidity (%)
63 55 47 34 33 46 70 73 62 52 55 62 54
Mean
monthly sunsh
ine hours
21
4.6
21
6.1
239
.1
261
.0
263
.1
196
.5
16
5.9
177
.0
219
.0
269
.3
24
7.2
21
5.8
2,6
84.
6
Source #1: NOAA
Source #2: Indian Meteorological Department (record high and low up to 2010)
Climate data for Delhi (Palam)
Month Jan
Fe
b
Ma
r
Ap
r
Ma
y
Ju
n
Jul
Au
g
Sep Oct
No
v
De
c
Yea
r
Record high
°C (°F)
31.
0
(87
.8)
35.
7
(96
.3)
41.
3
(10
6.3
)
45.
3
(11
3.5
)
48.
4
(11
9.1
)
47.
6
(11
7.7
)
45.
7
(11
4.3
)
43.
2
(10
9.8
)
40.
8
(10
5.4
)
39.
6
(10
3.3
)
36.
4
(9
7.5
)
30.
0
(86
)
48.4
(119
.1)
Average high
°C (°F)
20.
8
(69
.4)
23.
9
(75
)
30.
0
(86
)
36.
9
(98
.4)
40.
5
(10
4.9
)
40.
3
(10
4.5
)
35.
4
(95
.7)
33.
7
(92
.7)
34.
2
(93
.6)
33.
3
(91
.9)
28.
3
(8
2.9
)
22.
7
(72
.9)
31.7
(89.
1)
Average low
°C (°F)
6.7
(44
.1)
9.1
(48
.4)
14.
1
(57
.4)
20.
5
(68
.9)
25.
1
(77
.2)
27.
6
(81
.7)
26.
4
(79
.5)
25.
6
(78
.1)
23.
8
(74
.8)
18.
8
(65
.8)
12.
7
(5
4.9
)
7.8
(46
)
18.2
(64.
8)
Record low
°C (°F)
−2.
2
(28
)
−1.
6
(29
.1)
3.4
(38
.1)
8.6
(47
.5)
14.
6
(58
.3)
19.
8
(67
.6)
17.
8
(64
)
20.
2
(68
.4)
13.
6
(56
.5)
9.9
(49
.8)
2.1
(3
5.8
)
−1.
3
(29
.7)
−2.2
(28)
Average preci
pitation mm
(inches)
18.
9
(0.
744
)
16.
6
(0.
654
)
10.
8
(0.
425
)
30.
4
(1.
197
)
29.
0
(1.
142
)
54.
3
(2.
138
)
216
.8
(8.
535
)
247
.6
(9.
748
)
133
.8
(5.
268
)
15.
4
(0.
606
)
6.6
(0.
26
)
15.
2
(0.
598
)
795.
4
(31.
315)

20. 16
therefore higher apparent temperature. The monsoon starts in late June and lasts until mid-
September, with about 797.3 mm (31.5 inches)[2] of rain. The average temperatures are
around 29 °C (85 °F), although they can vary from around 25 °C (78 °F) on rainy days to
32 °C (99 °F) during dry spells. The monsoons recede in late September, and the post-
monsoon season continues till late October, with average temperatures sliding from 29 °C
(85 °F) to 21 °C (71 °F).
Winter starts in late November or early december and peaks in January, with average
temperatures around 12–13 °C (54–55 °F).Although winters are generally mild, Delhi's
proximity to the Himalayas results in cold waves leading to lower apparent temperature due
to wind chill. Delhi is notorious for its heavy fogs during the winter season. In December,
reduced visibility leads to disruption of road, air and rail traffic.[3] They end in early
February, and are followed by a short spring until the onset of the summer.
Extreme temperatures have ranged from −2.2 °C to 48.4 °C.
Temperature records for Delhi exist for a period of a little over 100 years. The lowest ever
temperature reading during this period is -2.2 °C, recorded on January 11, 1967 at Met Delhi
Palam. And, the highest ever temperature reading during the same period is 48.4 °C recorded
on May 26, 1998, again at Met Delhi Palam.

21. 17
Map of Study Area
Figure 1 Digitized Image of Kirori Mal College

22. 18
Figure 3 Satellite Imagery of Kiori Mal College
Figure 4 Layout of the Ground Floor of the Arts Block (Principal’s Chamber and the office0

23. 19
CHAPTER - III
The Theme: Objectives & Methodologies
OBJECTIVES
When a fire starts it can spread through a building at lightning speed, so having an emergency
fire safety and evacuation plan in place is an essential component of any fire risk assessment.
Dangers inside the building, from fire to a toxic chemical spill, necessitate an immediate
evacuation. The only way to ensure that cool heads prevail in a crisis, and that employees
arrive safely outside the building is to have a clearly defined and well practiced evacuation
plan in place.
 Identify the potential fire hazards – make a note of anything that could start a fire
or easily burn, if found during the assessment
 Assess the effectiveness of the fire evacuation plan and improve certain aspects of the
fire provision.
 Identify the people at risk – work out if the risk could be greater for some people
(i.e. the disabled and elderly are especially vulnerable)
 Act on the findings – Evaluate, reduce or remove the potential risks
 Record – Keep a record of the findings, prepare an emergency plan and provide fire
safety training
 Review – A fire risk assessment must be carried out regularly, with all findings
updated and recorded.
 Recommend tips for prevention of fire in the institution.
METHODOLOGY & DATA USED
 Observation
 Data sources
 Softwares
To study the social aspects of our assigned areas –Kirori Mal College. A variety of methods
were used such as map reference, interviews, direct observation.
We conducted a fire evacuation plan assessment in the college to get acquainted with the
emergency disaster scenario and prepare a plan. Space survey was conducted by preparing
digitized maps of the whole institution, referring the blueprints of various blocks of the
institution. GPS technology was used and the android applications helped us in noting down
the latitudes, longitudes and altitude of various locations with the nearest possible accuracy in
the institution.
Another method used to collect information regarding the evacuation plan through direct
observation. Sign boards, fire extinguishers, emergency exits and notices were discerned.
Photographs of our observations were clicked and videos were made. Additional data was
collected from the numerous websites and through other research articles related to our work.
So, these were the methods which were used for getting better results in the following pages
we will study the analysis work of our gathered data. We shall come to know very interesting
figures about Nepal, its society and techniques of disaster management practiced by them.

24. 20
3.3 Literature Review
Fire Safety and Prevention Plan
How safe are Schools and Colleges in Delhi
Several renowned colleges and departments of the Delhi University are functioning without
obtaining a Fire Safety Clearance (FSC) certificate or a No Objection Certificate (NOC) from
the Delhi Fire Services (DFS), putting thousands of students’ lives at risk in case of a
disaster.
Delhi University colleges like LSR (Lady Shri Ram College for Women), Jesus and Mary
College, Saheed Sukhdev College of Business Studies, Miranda House and College of
Vocational Studies have been functioning without obtaining an NOC or Fire Clearance
Certificate from the Delhi Fire Services, according to an RTI reply received by Mohit Gupta,
a Delhi-based advocate. The Sunday Guardian tried to speak to the principal of these
colleges, but most of them were not aware that they required any such certificates from the
Fire Department.1 ‘DU colleges compromise with fire safety, play with students’ lives’ by
Dibyendu Mondal, The Sunday Guardian, 19th Nov. 2017.
According to the Mumbai Fire Brigade, less than 1% of the nearly three lakh buildings in the
city are fire compliant. This includes not just restaurants and shopping malls, but also
educational institutions, housing societies, and commercial complexes. After the recent
Kamala Mills fire, the issue of fire safety in buildings must be treated with urgency, and not
just in Mumbai. The situation is no different in Delhi. The recent sealing drives in markets
that have flouted building norms and regulations are a case in point. Many shops and
restaurants have been found to have changed sanctioned layout plans and increased their
Floor Area Ratios. Some have narrow staircases and no proper fire exits, which together
could cause a minor accident to become a major disaster.
Ensuring that buildings such as educational institutions, commercial complexes, and even
housing societies are compliant with fire safety norms is one of the fundamental jobs of an
administration. The lackadaisical attitude of the administration is revealed by a Comptroller
and Auditor General of India report that found that 78% of the budget allocated to buy fire
safety equipment and rescue vehicles was unused in Maharashtra between 2010 and 2015.2
‘Delhi and Mumbai are tinderbox cities. They must strengthen fire and safety regulations’.
Hindustan Times, 21st January, 2018.
Recent Cases of Fire in Institution
A fire broke out at a room in the girl’s hostel at the School of Planning and Architecture’s
ITO campus early Thursday after an alleged short circuit, drawing criticism from the students
over ‘poor facilities’. The residents of the room said the fire damaged a lot of their important
possessions, including clothes, study material and documents such as passports and
certificates. Students of the institute blamed the authorities for negligence and lack of proper
infrastructure that led to Thursday’s fire. Eyewitnesses said the fire was first noticed in the
room around 5:30am and the fire brigade immediately informed.3 ‘Fire at School of Planning
and Architecture’s ITO hostel raises safety concerns.’ By A Mariyam Alavi, Hindustan
Times, 27th October, 2017.
Fire and Governance

25. 21
The Delhi High Court today sought the response of the AAP government on a PIL seeking
compliance of the Supreme Court directions on fire safety and building stability norms by
private and government schools in the city. A bench of Acting Chief Justice Gita Mittal and
Justice C Hari Shankar issued notice to the Delhi government and civic bodies on the plea
filed by a lawyer and posted the matter for hearing on January 29 next year. The PIL has
alleged that the Delhi government The PIL has alleged that the Delhi government and its
various authorities do not have an answer to the question of how many schools were
complying with the safety norms, and that is why the court has been approached. The public
interest litigation (PIL) claims that the Supreme Court had in 2009 issued directions to all the
schools in India to have fire safety certificate and stability certificates, but these were not
being complied with it.4
‘HC seeks AAP government reply on PIL over fire safety in schools’ by PTI, The Economic
Times, 9th Oct. 2017.
In order to ensure safety of students, the Delhi Commission For Protection Of Child Rights
(DCPCR) has directed education department, all civic bodies and Delhi Cantonment Board to
examine life and fire safety provisions in schools under their jurisdiction. The Commission
has asked all agencies concerned to submit a status report on the issue to it by January 15.
Apart from this, the DCPCR has recommended to the education directorate to rectify the
loophole and issue explicit instructions regarding shifting of buildings of schools that
National Building Code (2005) must be applied on all schools.5 ‘Civic bodies, education
department asked to examine fire safety measures in Schools’ by PTI, The Statesman, 7th
January, 2018.
As many as 267 schools, including government and state-aided schools, do not have fire
safety certificate in the national capital, Deputy Chief Minister Manish Sisodia told the Delhi
Assembly today. Sisodia, who holds the education portfolio, said that 162 city-run schools
and 105 government-aided schools do not have fire safety certificates. The revelation poses
a question about the safety of students studying in the government and government aided-
schools in the city. In a written reply to a question asked by AAP MLA Pawan Sharma,
Sisodia told the House that out of the 105 government-aided schools, 88 have applied for
fire safety certificate.
The deputy chief minister, however, said that all the 162 government schools have applied
for the same. He said that the Directorate of Education (DoE) inspects the safety measures
in schools from time-to-time.6 ‘267 schools in Delhi running sans fire safety certificate:
Manish Sisodia’ by PTI, The Indian Express, 19th March, 2018.

26. 22
CHAPTER - IV
EMERGENCY EVACUATION
OBSERVATION
Exit Points
1. How many exit points are there in the college and specifically in 2nd floor of Arts
Block where are they located?
Ans: There are 12 major exit points in our college; 4 each in Arts and Science Blocks and 1
front gate, 1 hostel gate, 1 back gate, and 1 gate in Activity Centre. And in 2nd Floor 1
Elevator at middle of the building and stairs extreme ends on 2 side of the floor with at a time
2 people can work down through it.
Figure 5 : STAIRS ON LEFT SIDE OF THE FLOOR
Figure 6: STAIRS ON RIGHT SIDE OF THE FLOOR

27. 23
TYPES OF EXITS
2. What are the various types of exit points?
Ans: Elevator is there in Arts Block but during fire breakout its should not be used, The 12
major exit points are all doors/gates. Besides these exit points we have certain points like
medium walls and windows which can be used as exit points if an additional support like
ladders or ropes are provided.
Figure 7: Mass evacuation can be done through an open part of the wall and on other side of
this is a open trace of approx. 30-20 Terrace is available.
Figure 8 : Evacuation point 2 near Room No.216

28. 24
Figure 9 Emergency exits

29. 25
Figure 10

30. 26

31. 27
Occupancy and Time for the period of February-March
3. What is the maximum time-occupancy for the 2nd Floor of Arts Block on all days of
week?
Ans: The maximum occupancy for the 2nd Floor of Arts Block occurs on as follows
 Monday at around 10:40 am till 2:40 pm 400-450 students present in the floor.
 Tuesday at around 9:40 am till 1:40 pm around 280 students present in the floor.
 Wednesday at around 9:40 am till 1:40 pm around 360 students present in the floor.
 Thursday at around 10::40 am till 1:40 pm around 180-200 students present in the
floor.
 Friday at around 9::40 am till 1:40 pm around 140-220 students present in the floor.
 Saturday at around 11::40 am till 1:40 pm around 120-150 students present in the
floor.
Possible Causes of Fire
4. What do you think are the possible causes of fire in the college premises?
Ans:
Respondent 1: The possible cause of fire in the college according to me is short-circuiting.
Respondent 2: I think the possible cause of fire in our college could be the uncovered and
hanging electric wires found in certain places in the main academic block.
5. What do you think are the possible causes of fire in the college premises?
Ans:
Respondent 1: The possible cause of fire in the college according to me is short-circuiting.
Respondent 2: I think the possible cause of fire in our college could be the uncovered and
hanging electric wires found in certain places in the main academic block.

32. 28
Decision Making
6. Who do you think would be the decision maker at the time of such fire-accident?
Ans: The decision maker at the time of accident would be victim oneself at primary level.
Post primary level, the college administration in general and the principal in particular would
be the decision maker in the successive level.
7. What would be the first stepyou will take if you are caught by fire in the college?
Ans: If I am caught by fire, the first step I would like to take would be to get some clothes to
wrap around my body, be it any sweater, or jacket, or shawl and then ask the nearest student
to cut down the electric supply.
Solutions
8. Do you think there are adequate number of fire extinguishers in the college
premises in case it meets a fire accident?
Ans: No.
9. Do you know where the fire extinguishers are kept?
Ans: Yes, I have seen them hanging on the pillars in the academic block but I do not recall
the exact locations as such.
10. Are all fire extinguishers in working condition?
Ans: I don’t know about the working status of all the fire extinguishers but I don’t think all
of them are working.
11. Have you ever seena fire extinguisher being used? Do you know how to use a
fire extinguisher?
Ans: No. No, I don’t know how to use a fire extinguisher.
12. What are the other things around with which fire can be extinguished in the college?
Ans: We have got water besides fire extinguishers with which we can extinguish fire if
caught in our college. The only problem is just that we have not seen the pipes and other
instruments facilitating large supply of water per se.

33. 29
SUGGESTIONS & STRATEGIES
A high standard of housekeeping and building maintenance is probably the most important
single factor in the prevention of fire. Listed below are some specific directions to avoid fire
hazards:
• Do not use the stairwells for storage or accumulating of garbage. Assure proper
management of garbage and refuse including packaging and storage materials.
• Keep any stairwell, smoke and fire doors closed at all times and maintained in proper
working order.
• ENSURE clearance is maintained at all times to ‘fire protection equipment’, (e.g.
hydrants, standpipe connection, fire routes, hose cabinets, portable fire extinguishers, sprinkler
heads.
• Store and use flammable and combustible liquids and gases in approved quantities and
only in approved containers and locations. (Combustible materials shall not be used to absorb
flammable or combustible liquid spills within buildings.)
• Greasy or oily rags or materials subject to spontaneous heating shall be deposited in a
proper safety container or be removed from the premises.
• Flammable liquids shall not be used for cleaning purposes.
• Do not use extension cords for permanent wiring.
• Do not use unsafe electrical equipment, frayed extension cords or over-loaded outlets,
• Do not use candles or other items with open flames unless approved.
• Do not use decorating materials which burn easily.
• Keep cigarette lighters and matches out of the reach of children.
• Avoid unsafe cooking practices (deep frying – too much heat or loosely hanging
clothes).
• Do not permit combustible waste materials to accumulate in quantities or locations,
which will constitute a fire hazard.
• If ‘No Smoking’ policy is established, avoid careless smoking, use large deep ash trays,
do not put burning materials such as cigarettes and ashes into garbage cans and ensure full
extinguishment of smoking materials.

34. 30
BIBLIOGRAPHY
 https://www.slideshare.net/pramodgpramod/disaster-management-landslide
 http://www.emeraldinsight.com/doi/abs/10.1108/09653561011022180?mobileUi=0&j
ournalCode=dpm
 Handbook on Building Fire Codes, Fire Safety Sectional Committee, Bureau of
Indian Standards.
 https://www.sundayguardianlive.com/investigation/11676-du-colleges-compromise-
fire-safety-play-students-lives (last accessed on 28th March, 2018)
 https://www.hindustantimes.com/editorials/delhi-and-mumbai-are-tinderbox-cities-
they-must-strengthen-fire-and-safety-regulations/story-
ai3rML3YCThjf0LS1PQoxM.html (last accessed on 28th march, 2018)
 https://www.hindustantimes.com/delhi-news/fire-at-school-of-planning-and-
architecture-s-ito-hostel-raises-safety-concerns/story-
ZXy7Mst2HQ2EsKolU3hhFI.html last accessed on 28th March, 2018)
 https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/politics-and-nation/hc-seeks-aap-
government-reply-on-pil-over-fire-safety-in-schools/articleshow/61003601.cms (last
accessed on 28th March, 2018)
 https://www.thestatesman.com/cities/civic-bodies-edu-dept-asked-examine-fire-
safety-measures-1502559212.html (last accessed on 28th March, 2018)
 http://www.newindianexpress.com/cities/delhi/2018/mar/19/267-schools-in-delhi-
running-sans-fire-safety-certificate-manish-sisodia-1789455.html (last accessed on
28th March, 2018)