• The Union Health Ministry and NDMA advised States/UTs to take measures to prevent hospital fires during the summer heat.

• Hospitals are instructed to ensure compliance with fire safety regulations through comprehensive inspections, electrical load audits, and obtaining valid fire No-Objection Certificates (NOCs) to rectify any identified discrepancies and prioritize safety measures.

• Some of the comprehensive instructions that were released to conduct the activities are as follows -

1. Regularly inspect fire equipment for expiration dates, accessibility, water pressure, and audibility.

2. A maintenance schedule involving monthly checks for extinguishers, and quarterly tests for alarms/hydrants.

3. Implement no-smoking policies and controls in oxygen areas And staff Training regarding risks.

4. Install smoke detectors and fire alarms, test them monthly, and replace batteries annually.

5. Avoid overloading of power sources.

6. Installation of water sprinklers and accessible Hosepipes.

7. Review/update hospital infrastructure and renew the fire safety NOC  to comply with fire safety standards.

8. Implement continuous training on fire prevention and emergency procedures with bi-annual fire drills, including evacuation drills

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