Know Your High-Rise Dwelling's Fire Safety Measures
What should you do if your apartment tower is on fire? Some basic knowledge might just save you until help arrives
Yesterday, 20 June, a fire broke out in the void deck of Block 14A along Toa Payoh Lorong 7. Today reported that around 50 residents had to be evacuated by the Singapore Civil Defence Force (SCDF).
Having a basic knowledge of fire safety for your home may save you. The SCDF offers an online programme called I AM SAFE to equip you.
Some of the principles it teaches:
When you discover a fire
Ways of extinguishing a fire include:
When you discover a fire
- Do not panic
- Alert others to the fire by shouting
- Evacuate the room/area and get everyone out of the premises without endangering yourself
- If possible, close the door of the affected room to contain the fire
- Dial 995 for the SCDF
- Turn off the gas mains if you can reach them
- Activate the fire alarm at the nearest manual call point
- Evacuate the building in an orderly manner via the stairs; do not use the lift
- Do not return to the building until the authorities announce that it is safe to do so
- Fight the fire only if you are able to and without endangering yourself and others
Ways of extinguishing a fire include:
- Using a suitable fire extinguisher; and
- Using a hose reel
When a fire breaks out
If you are in a smoke-filled room:
If you are trapped in the fire:
If your clothes catch fire:
If you are in a smoke-filled room:
- Cover your nose and mouth with a wet cloth and avoid inhaling through the mouth; and
- Get down, keep close to the ground and crawl towards the point of escape under the smoke
If you are trapped in the fire:
- Enter a safe room, preferably one which has open windows, good ventilation and overlooks a road
- Shut the door behind you and seal the gap beneath the door with a blanket, rug or other fabrics to prevent smoke from entering the room
- Go to the window, shout for help to alert others of the fire and dial 995 for the SCDF if you are able to
- Stay calm and do not attempt to jump out of the building
If your clothes catch fire:
- Stop running and remain calm
- Drop to the floor immediately
- Roll over from side to side while covering your face with your hands to smother the flames
Always, always make sure you and your family or flatmates know your fire escapes and refuge floors.
The SCDF has additional guidelines for super high-rise residential buildings, which are defined as having more than 40 storey/levels. This includes provisions for refuge floors (such as sky gardens) every 20 storeys, holding areas and fire lifts.
SkyTerrace @ Dawson by SCDA
Catherine Loke of Lander Loke Architects, and chair of Singapore Institute of Architects (SIA) - SMAP (Small & Medium Architecture Practice) committee, also answers some fire safety considerations so we can have peace of mind about the buildings we live in.
Catherine Loke of Lander Loke Architects, and chair of Singapore Institute of Architects (SIA) - SMAP (Small & Medium Architecture Practice) committee, also answers some fire safety considerations so we can have peace of mind about the buildings we live in.
Skyville @ Dawson, photo courtesy of WOHA / Patrick Bingham-Hall
How much of fire safety is the responsibility of the architect?
All buildings (new and those undergoing Alterations & Additions) undergo several stages to ensure fire safety:
Design
Architects are responsible as qualified persons to design the physical aspects (travel distance, compartmentation, fire engine access, etc.) of buildings in compliance with the Fire Code. Other aspects such as engineered fire protection systems (sprinklers, smoke purge systems, etc.) are designed by professional engineers who are the qualified persons for those aspects. Both architects and professional engineers are required to submit their designs to the SCDF’s Fire Safety and Shelter Department for approval.
Construction
Builders are responsible for carrying out the works in accordance with approved plans.
Occupation
Prior to occupation, buildings must undergo inspections by registered inspectors who verify compliance, and thereafter the Fire Safety Certificate would be issued by the Fire Safety and Shelter Department.
Use and Maintenance
Building owners and users are required to comply with the Fire Code by not blocking exits, not storing flammable materials in protected areas, etc. and to maintain fire protection systems to ensure they are in good working order.
As such, everyone in the value chain is responsible for fire safety.
How much of fire safety is the responsibility of the architect?
All buildings (new and those undergoing Alterations & Additions) undergo several stages to ensure fire safety:
Design
Architects are responsible as qualified persons to design the physical aspects (travel distance, compartmentation, fire engine access, etc.) of buildings in compliance with the Fire Code. Other aspects such as engineered fire protection systems (sprinklers, smoke purge systems, etc.) are designed by professional engineers who are the qualified persons for those aspects. Both architects and professional engineers are required to submit their designs to the SCDF’s Fire Safety and Shelter Department for approval.
Construction
Builders are responsible for carrying out the works in accordance with approved plans.
Occupation
Prior to occupation, buildings must undergo inspections by registered inspectors who verify compliance, and thereafter the Fire Safety Certificate would be issued by the Fire Safety and Shelter Department.
Use and Maintenance
Building owners and users are required to comply with the Fire Code by not blocking exits, not storing flammable materials in protected areas, etc. and to maintain fire protection systems to ensure they are in good working order.
As such, everyone in the value chain is responsible for fire safety.
Does SIA have continuing education on fire-safe materials, technology, etc?
Yes, SIA regularly conducts courses on the Fire Code (among other things) as part of Continuing Professional Development required of Architects in order to renew our Practising Certificate every year. This is part of the regulation of Architects under the Architects Act.
Yes, SIA regularly conducts courses on the Fire Code (among other things) as part of Continuing Professional Development required of Architects in order to renew our Practising Certificate every year. This is part of the regulation of Architects under the Architects Act.
And whilst we live in high rises designed with fire safety in mind – they are mostly steel and concrete, compared with some Western world’s wood architecture – nobody can predict this kind of disaster. Remember the 66-storey Marina Bay Suites fire that killed two in 2014?