SMOKE detectors and sprinklers may have to be mandatorily fitted in new homes, residential compounds and apartment buildings.
The Southern Municipal Council has come up with the proposal, which will be now reviewed by the Cabinet, following a spate of fires in Bahrain sparked by electrical short circuits.
The proposal is being spearheaded by the council’s services and public utilities committee chairman Abdulla Abdullatif who believes these simple precautions could save lives and limit damage to properties.
“It’s not just during the summer that the country witnesses numerous fires when air-conditioners are being used without a break. Even during the winter when heaters are left on too long, and old circuits are overloaded, there is a risk of fire,” said Mr Abdullatif.
“The smoke detectors could alert tenants, especially at night, and sprinklers could extinguish small fires before they become major disasters. Time is all important, it’s the difference between life, trauma, burns or death.
“And, the cost is rarely an issue. If someone is willing to buy a home for BD100,000 then they can easily afford an extra BD1,000 for safety matters.”
One of the biggest concerns fire chiefs in Bahrain have is the overloading of appliances and electrical devices in homes.
The latest information campaign comes amidst a recent spate of fires in buildings resulting in the loss to life and property damage.
Sub-standard extension wires pose a particular risk, especially when used for multiple devices and appliances.
Many electrical fires are caused by negligence or poorly-maintained buildings.
In June this year, a 25-year-old Indian expatriate died in a blaze at a labour accommodation in Bani Jamra, after suffering extensive burn injuries.
Latest statistics issued by the Interior Ministry for April revealed that 57 per cent of police patrol responses involved cases involving fire incidents, first aid and community service.
Council chairman Bader Al Tamimi raised objections that the proposal may be too much of a financial burden on families.
“The cheapest price for such equipment is around BD800 and for someone who takes loans to buy or build their dream home, the money could be better directed towards buying furniture and electronics,” he said.
“The percentage of fires in Bahrain is low for this to be a mandatory requirement.
“I am not against safety at home, but I believe it is about making people more aware of the dangers and safety conscious.”
He also suggested that problems mostly occur in older buildings rather than new builds.
mohammed@gdnmedia.bh
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