One day a sudden fire broke out in a condo, putting the lives of residents at risk.
The condo manager and staff at the condo management office sprang into action. They raced towards an apartment in fire. Inside the thickening smoke, a boy was trapped.
Without hesitation, the condo manager and staff pushed through the heat and smoke to reach him. They managed to get the boy to safety.
The condo manager and staff continued to fight the fire at the apartment by using a nearest fire hose reel.
Shockingly, no fire alarm sounded and there was no organised evacuation.
Finally, the fire engine arrived and took over the fire fighting.
Despite the heroes who stepped up and no injury caused to anyone, the incident revealed critical issues.
Why did no alarm go off?
Why was evacuation not conducted?
While the bravery shown was commendable, condo managers should be equipped with the skills and knowledge to handle such emergencies. Regular training in fire safety and first aid should be standard.
Residents need to be informed in real-time. Certain emergency notification protocols should be established to provide clear instruction during a crisis.
Unlike the fire law for commercial buildings that requires fire drills be conducted, there is no such legal requirement in condos.
Residents should know exactly what to do and where to go. Emergency evacuation plan must be well-practiced to ensure everyone’s safety when it counts.
Thirty condo managers joined my class for two days to learn about the DOs and DON’Ts in condo living. They were taught about the laws and regulations affecting the operations and management of condos.
Many expressed the need for greater awareness and preparedness in condo living.
It’s time for all condos to have robust safety protocols in place to prevent such close calls in the future.
The flames may be out but the need for preparedness has to start!
……
I am Teo Poh Siang, Founder of Wisely 98 Pte Ltd. I provide consultancy for strata titled buildings and competency training for condo managers. I can be reached at teopohsiang@wisely98.com.
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Wisely 98 Pte Ltd
Photo:Class of 22 Oct & 24 Oct 2024 for Application of Building Maintenance & Strata Management Act.
