Did you know, on an average, around 159 people die every year in Bangladesh due to fire accidents? According to Bangladesh Fire Service And Civil Defense, in 2016, there were total 16,858 fire incidents throughout the country. Although, as per National Building Code, every residential apartment should meet minimum fire standard. Then again, fire is one of the accidents that can take place in your apartment. Earthquake, short circuit, building collapse are frequent and can occur anytime and cause damage if you are not careful from the very beginning. Think about the casualties afterward, scary right? No one expects such misfortune in their home, and that is why to ensure your apartment safety, Bproperty recommends the following.
Pick The Right Apartment
Choice of the apartment is crucial in this particular situation because certain things are impossible to alter once you purchase an apartment. For example the construction materials or even the building structure. Similarly, the apartment floor you are choosing should be a concern as well. Therefore, you should properly check the quality of the apartment beforehand. Starting from the location to the alignment of the beams, you must consider everything. Be extra cautious regarding used apartments because they can be the most vulnerable to uncertainties.
Ensure Emergency Exit Plan
Seek apartments with an emergency exit plan and once you do, your job is to evaluate the feasibility of the plan. Directly contact the seller with your queries regarding the safety. For instance, are there multiple ways ( there should be) to access the emergency exit? Is the path well lit and maintained? Etc. Moreover, ask if there are any scheduled safety drills. Having such practice sessions can prevent panicking and save lives.
Apartment Safety Equipments
An exit plan will not work alone unless it is facilitated with the right set of equipment. Keep at least one fire extinguishers on every floor. Moreover, the apartment building should have a ground level water hose in case of emergency. Furthermore, a safety kit is also necessary and should be placed where it is easily accessible. You can also install smoke detectors, commercial evacuation ladders and fire alarms for extra caution.
Power Supply
Electricity can be hazardous due to poor maintenance and planning. Overloads can cause serious problems, and hence, you must ensure the power outputs are safe to use for electronics. Same is applicable to the power back up. Almost every building has a generator, and it needs proper care too. Place the generator in a well-ventilated area so that it can emit the excess heat and gas like carbon monoxide. Remember to buy the right generator so that it can meet the demand of the apartment. Otherwise, it can overload as well and cause fatalities.
Lift Maintenance
Most cases, developers install an eight-passenger lift for a 15 unit apartment building. They maintain the ratio so that the lift functions properly. Why a lift should be your concern because they can be dangerous due to negligence. Hence, to maintain a lift, you should follow certain guidelines like keeping the temperature below 24-degree Celsius in the machine room, installing exhaust fans, overload sensors, lightning arresters, etc. Additionally, maintain a lift usage hour so that the machine gets a break every 12 hours. Also, don’t forget a monthly checkup, it is vital for the residents.
There is no compromise with safety. Your precautions can save many lives. Therefore, stay alert and follow Bproperty blog regularly to get more insights and useful tips and tricks like this one.
