How safe are our malls?

How safe are our malls?
A T Subrahmanya | TNN
Bangalore: A day after thousands of people had a miraculous escape at The Forum mall, security and safety seems to be the ‘mantra’ for most malls and multiplex cinema halls in Bangalore. The city has more than 15 malls and another 10 coming up. Times City gives a lowdown on safety measures at three malls.
GARUDA MALL
Location: Magrath Road Total area: 7,50,000 sq ft. There are five floors besides ground level MD Uday Garudachar says latest safety equipment employed Fire officer present Measures: Two fire exits on all floors, alarms, public address system, spark detectors, smoke detectors, sprinklers Footfall: 25,000 on weekdays, 75,000 on weekends
INNOVATIVE MULTIPLEX
Location: Marathahalli Two levels Director A Anuradha says it’s safe Two emergency exits on both sides Footfall: 3,000 on weekdays and 5,000 on weekends Measures: Fire extinguishers, manual call points (MCP) from where one can raise an alarm, hooters, four hydrants to spray water, 50,000-litre water tank Security in-charge Shivaprakash says though it’s a small multiplex, security measures are in place.
SIGMA MALL
Location: Cunningham Road Facility manager Amathi L says there is a fire officer and several personnel who have undergone specific training. Measures: Sprinklers, hydrants, fire panel which indicates which floor is hit, mock drills Area: 2,50,000 sq ft, three levels besides ground floor Footfall: 6,000 to 7,000 on weekdays, 15,000 on weekends
WHAT TRIGGERS A FIRE
75 per cent of fires are caused from electrical gadgets. Rest are from arson, careless smoking and soldering works Not planning plug points as per necessity. After occupying the shop, connections are made by unqualified electricians or plug points drawn using buzz bars Faulty air-conditioning system; ducts not maintained
SAFETY TIPS
Don’t block passages Don’t overload material in escape passages Have good signages that lead people towards stairways In centrally air-conditioned buildings, there must be ventilation on top so that smoke gets out Ensure people don’t panic, which may lead to a stampede