Ministry urges compliance with safety rules for shared housing

RIYADH — The Ministry of Municipalities and Housing has urged owners of shared residential facilities to comply with updated health and technical safety requirements. It stressed their responsibility to provide safe living conditions and maintain preparedness for emergencies.The ministry said evacuation routes and emergency exits must remain clear at all times and be equipped with illuminated directional signs and backup lighting systems that activate automatically during power outages. Emergency doors should also be fitted with mechanisms that allow easy opening from the inside without obstruction during evacuations.It also emphasized the importance of maintaining fire detection and firefighting systems through regular inspections and maintenance, while prohibiting the random storage of materials in residential facilities, corridors or exits. Facility operators were urged to adhere to approved occupancy limits to reduce risks and enhance safety.The ministry called on employers and accommodation operators to prepare approved evacuation plans in line with regulatory requirements, display evacuation maps in prominent locations, clearly identify emergency exits and assembly points, and ensure all residents understand emergency procedures.It further stressed that human preparedness is a key pillar of the safety system, urging regular evacuation drills and training for residents on emergency response procedures and the safe use of basic firefighting equipment.The ministry said compliance with safety requirements goes beyond meeting regulatory obligations, describing it as a direct responsibility to prevent accidents and protect residents. It added that proper preparedness and effective action during the first minutes of an emergency can significantly reduce losses and help provide a safe and sustainable shared living environment.