Diwali also known as the ‘Festival of lights’ is just around the corner but unfortunately due to lock-down restrictions celebrations will have to be slightly different this year to keep everyone safe.
We want to make sure people celebrate safely so here are some top tips to have a Happy Diwali and stay safe.
Fireworks
Fireworks are normally a huge part of the Diwali celebrations but this year we are asking members of our community to think twice before holding home displays and to celebrate in other ways if possible. This is to help avoid an increase in incidents, protect the community and support the emergency services
- If you do choose to celebrate with fireworks always follow the firework code available on our website in different languages.
- Only buy fireworks which carry the CE mark.
- Once your firework is lit, never return to it.
- Follow the instructions on each firework. Use a torch to read them, never a naked flame
- Light fireworks at arm’s length, using the taper provided
- Keep a bucket of water nearby
- Make sure everyone stands well back and pets are kept indoors
Cooking
- Never leave cooking unattended
- Keep tea towels, clothes and electrical leads away from the cooker and hob
- Make sure saucepan handles are not sticking out from the hob or over a naked flame
- Remember to check that the oven or hob are switched off after you have finished cooking
- Take extra care when deep-fat frying or cooking with oil – hot oil can catch fire easily – use a thermostat-controlled deep-fat fryer which will make sure the fat doesn’t get too hot.
Candles
- When you’re lighting oil lamps and candles place candles in a proper holder and keep away from curtains, hair and loose clothing.
- Put candles out safely before you leave a room and before bed.
- If you can use LED candles instead
- Keep candles out of the reach of children and pets
- Keep candles away from ribbons, greetings cards and other decorations – these could easily catch fire
- Keep candles out of draughts and away from curtains, other fabrics or furniture, which could catch fire
- Keep candles away from clothes and hair – if there’s any chance you could forget a candle is there and lean across it, put it somewhere else.
Smoke Alarms
Most important of all – make sure you buy a smoke detector, fit one on every storey of your home, and check it weekly.