KOCHI: The Department of Fire and Rescue Services will check fire safety preparedness at textile shops in the city, especially those on Broadway, ahead of the Onam rush.
Inspections will be conducted on the inference that textile shops would have piled up stocks. Last year, textile materials were found stocked along emergency exit routes and staircases at textile shops in the city, blocking the smooth passage of people in case of an emergency. Such materials were also found stocked near electrical circuits.
Officials will check if shops have adequate fire-fighting installations at critical points. They will direct shop managements to clear pathways and exit routes immediately. The measures have been initiated considering the huge rush expected towards the end of the week.