QC firms told to display exit diagrams

A Quezon City councilor has filed an ordinance that will mandate all establishment owners to display fire exit diagrams on entrances of buildings to prevent the recurrence of the Ozone disco tragedy in 1995 and Manor Hotel fire last month.

Councilor Ariel Inton Jr. of the city’s Fourth District, said the measure is aimed at making people aware of their way out from buildings in cases of earthquake, fire, civil disturbance and other natural or man-made disasters.

"Fire safety and protection is a paramount concern of city governments and civil society. It can be enhanced if only people are informed," Inton said.

A month ago, 74 people were killed while 41 others were injured after a fire hit the Manor Hotel on Kamias Road in Quezon City. Most of the victims died of suffocation or smoke inhalation.

In March 1995, 165 people were killed while hundreds were injured when a fire razed the Ozone disco on Timog Avenue. In the tragedies, arson investigators found that both establishments violated fire safety rules. – Cecille Suerte Felipe