Is It a Good Idea to Buy a Home Near the Refuge Area? When considering purchasing a home in a high-rise apartment building, various factors come into play. One often overlooked yet crucial aspect is the location of the refuge area within the building.

As per the National Building Code of India, a builder should mandatorily provide a refuge area in a high-rise building at every 7th floor or after 24 metres.

Refuge areas are designated safe zones intended for occupants to gather during emergencies such as fire or other disasters. While some may see buying a home near a refuge area as advantageous, others might be concerned about potential drawbacks. This article will explore the pros and cons of purchasing a home near the refuge area, and help you make an informed decision.

What Is a Refuge Area?

A refuge area is a dedicated space in a high-rise building designed as a temporary safety zone during emergencies. It is generally located on specific floors, away from staircases, and equipped with fire-resistant materials. Refuge areas provide a safe space for occupants to wait for assistance or evacuation during incidents like fires, earthquakes, or other emergencies.

Benefits of Buying a Home Near the Refuge Area

1. Increased Safety During Emergencies
   One of the most significant advantages of living near a refuge area is the increased safety during emergencies. In case of fire, earthquake, or other disasters, the refuge area provides a safe and secure location to gather while waiting for rescue services. If your apartment is located on the same floor as the refuge area or near it, you can quickly access it in case of an emergency, potentially reducing risks associated with prolonged evacuation time.
2. Peace of Mind for Families and Elderly Residents
   If you have young children, elderly family members, or individuals with mobility challenges, living near the refuge area can be reassuring. The close proximity ensures that they can reach a safe place faster during emergencies, thus providing added peace of mind.
3. More Privacy
   Having an apartment on the same floor as the refuge area results in fewer apartments on the same floor which gives you more privacy. In buildings with only 2 apartments per floor, a refuge floor could potentially have only one flat on the same floor thus giving more privacy.

Drawbacks of Buying a Home Near the Refuge Area

1. Periodic fire safety drills
   One potential downside of living near a refuge area is the periodic fire safety drills that need to be carried out to ensure systems are working fine. This means other residents may gather in the refuge area. However, this is only an occasional drill. As per the National Building Code of India, a fire drill must be conducted at least once every three months for buildings during the first two years. Thereafter, fire drills shall be conducted at least once every six months. Also, this is a life-saving activity and hence should not be considered negative.
2. Misuse of Refuge area
   Some buildings may use the Refuge areas for social gatherings and other activities. This increases risks in the event of an incident. Also, in some cases, the refuge area is poorly maintained or used for storage purposes. This is also not permitted. It is important to understand that the Refuge Area must never be used for any temporary or permanent purpose like a gym, parties, or a recreational area. Also, note that the passage to the Refuge Area must be well-lit and the door to this area must never be locked.

Conclusion: It’s a personal choice!

Buying a home on the same floor as the Refuge Area does not seem to be such an issue in our view. If safety is your top concern and you have young children, elderly family members, or individuals with mobility issues, the proximity to a refuge area can be a considerable advantage. And in some cases it offers increased privacy too.
However, ensure that your society maintains the refuge area, uses fire-resistant materials, and keeps it clear at all times.