Diwali

Fireworks - image courtesy of freeimages.co.uk

Fire statistics show that there is an increased fire risk during the Diwali period because a major feature of the festival is the use of candles, tea lights and fireworks. Candle fires increase by over a third during Diwali and over 20% of deaths caused by candles occur during this time. Make sure you and your family have a happy and safe Diwali by following a few simple steps.

Smoke alarms – your first line of defence
If there is a fire, your smoke alarm will immediately warn you, giving you and everyone in your home time to escape to safety.

• Fit smoke alarms on the ceiling on each floor level of your home – the best areas are top of the staircase, stair landing and between the living and sleeping areas (don't fit them in the kitchen!)
• Don't remove the batteries – if your smoke alarm keeps going off it might be too close to the kitchen.
• Test your smoke alarm once a week to make sure the batteries are working.
• If you’re buying a new smoke alarm consider a 10 year alarm which will require less frequent battery changes.
• Don’t forget that all types of alarms need to be tested once a week.
• Book a free home fire risk assessment now!

 Diya, candles and nightlights

• Almost five fires a day are started by candles so be careful. Use only enough ghee for a Diya to last your Puja. If you do need to leave the Diya, candle or nightlight unattended, make sure that it rests securely on a surface which will not melt or burn.
• Keep candles a safe distance from curtains, furniture and decorations.
• Clothing (especially saris, chunis/chunris and dupattas) can be very flammable. Keep your clothing away from flames and also be careful if you have long hair.
• Children should be supervised at all times near candles – and keep flames out of their reach and out of the reach of any pets you have.

 Cooking

• Stay alert! Accidents happen when you leave cooking unattended or you get distracted.
• When cooking deep fried food, dry it before you put it in the hot oil. Never fill the pan more than one third full of oil and never throw water into the pan. Remember to turn off the heat and leave the pan to cool if the oil starts to smoke.
• Read more cooking safety tips.

Fireworks

• Diwali is famous for fantastic firework displays but when having a display at home make sure you only buy fireworks marked with British Standard 7114 and always read the instructions.
• Although it is now illegal to use fireworks after 11pm, on the night of Diwali this is extended to 1pm.
• Read more fireworks safety tips

For more information about fire safety or to book a FREE home fire risk assessment visit the Fire Gateway website at www.fire.gov.uk.