Citizens in HCM City are flocking to buy fire safety equipment after at least 13 people were killed in an apartment fire last week.

Rope ladder used in Carina apartment building fire

Many people, especially those living in apartment buildings, have gone out to buy fire safety equipment and had a thorough check for fire exits in their buildings during the weekend.

The seller at a fire protection and labour protection equipment store in Tan Phu District said many people had come to ask about fire safety equipment right after the fire at Carina apartment building occurred on March 23. The number of customers has increased day by day and the store even in short of supply.

Masks that prevent smoke from getting into the respiratory system and the eyes have proved popular since they can be easily equipped at offices or private homes. Various types of fire safety equipment are displayed at Dan Sinh Market in District 1. Shoppers can buy expensive equipment from Germany or more affordable alternatives from China.

A rope ladder from China costs VND2m (USD87) to VND4m, the one from the US costs VND8m while the ladder from Germany can cost up to VND10m.

Dang Thi Huong Thuy, head of the sale department of protective equipment company said they mostly provided supplies to companies and restaurants. After the fire at Carina apartment building, the sales to individual customers sharply increased as the public have become more aware of fire safety.

However, Thuy went on to say that such awareness needs to be spread even more as many companies and restaurants only buy fire safety equipment to pass inspections by the authorities. They do not necessarily know how to use them.

Nhat Quang Tan Company Director Ta Quang Hai also said so many people had called for consultancy and to buy equipment that they had run out. However, Hai said, this is a normal reaction after a disaster. The situation was likely to calm down after a while.

Customers are advised to buy wisely and avoid sub-standard products.

Dtinews/Dan Viet