Going up in life? Watch your step

Highrise Disasters: How to be ready; What to do by Dr. Kingsley A. De Alwis. Printed and published by Vishva Lekha Press. Reviewed by Dr. Pramilla Senanayake

Living in highrise apartments has become a way of life whether we are looking at Abidjan, Barcelona, Colombo or Tokyo. For many, this is a new experience, an experience that may have many benefits. However, one needs to be prepared for the adjustments in lifestyle that are required when moving into a highrise building.

When you move to an apartment in a highrise condominium building, you are moving into living in a whole community under one roof. For many who have previously lived in single homes, this is a new experience. If one is prepared to make the necessary adjustments this would be a pleasurable experience for you and your neighbours. If you do not, then life could be hell for all concerned.

Dr. Kingsley de Alwis, has in his book Highrise Disasters: How to be ready: What to do, clearly identifies potential risks that can occur and what can be done in many cases to prevent or address these risks. As Dr. De Alwis explains in his well written, easy to read book, no matter where you live – your home could be subject to disasters – fire, earthquake, bomb blasts etc. Disasters can strike anywhere, anytime and can affect anyone.

Some disasters, such as earthquakes, may give little warning - often only split seconds – before they hit. Others, like hurricanes, may give you enough time to take emergency measures. However, the loss of life, injuries and damage from all types of disasters could be minimized if people are prepared to take precautions and respond appropriately to an emergency.

In his 53 page book, he covers a wide range of topics especially those related to disasters and those for which one could be particularly prepared. These include, fire, earthquakes, tsunamis, hurricanes and tropical storms, lightning, gas leaks and explosions, bomb blasts, terrorist attacks and hold-ups and hazardous material spills or contamination. Precautions that you should take and the immediate measures required for each type are covered in a clear and concise manner.

As the author explains, in the event of one of these disasters occurring, you may be required to evacuate the building. Dr de Alwis has provided some helpful tips for developing an evacuation plan which he believes should be practised from time to time by all concerned.

As the chairperson of the Hyde Park Residencies Management Committee, I am pleased that Dr. de Alwis’s book has been endorsed by my committee and is now recommended reading for all apartment owners and tenants at Hyde Park Residencies. I would recommend this publication as an essential survival handbook for all those living in highrise apartments. Condominium managers in particular should study this book to ensure that all residents are aware of the precautions to be taken and emergency procedures to be followed if and when disaster strikes.

Remember that disaster preparedness planning can save your life and those of your loved ones.