CELEBRATE SAFELY: Diwali
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Have a Happy, Safe Diwali
Have a happy and fire safe Diwali. Statistics show that there is an increased fire risk at Diwali time, because of Divas, candles and fireworks. Make sure you and your family have a safe Diwali by following a few simple steps: Diva, Candles and Nightlights
Treat the Diva as you would any other flame:
- Use only enough ghee for a Diva to last your Puja. If you do need to leave the Diva, candle or nightlight unattended, make sure that it rests securely on a surface which will not melt or burn.
- At all times, keep the flame at a safe distance from curtains, furniture and decorations. Long hair and clothing (especially saris, chunris/chunis and dupattas) are also very flammable.
- Keep the flame out of reach of children and animals. Children should be supervised at all times near flames.
Fireworks
Treat fireworks with great caution:
- Only buy fireworks marked with British Safety Standard 7114 and always read the instructions. For more information on both fireworks safety and new laws on their use, see: www.dti.gov.uk/consumers/Safety/fireworks-policy/index.html.
- Although it is now illegal to use fireworks after 11pm, on the night of Diwali this is extended to 1am.
- Remember - it is also illegal for anyone under the age of 18 to possess fireworks in a public place.
Smoke Alarms
Smoke alarms save lives:
- Fit smoke alarms on each floor level in your home. Consider buying a ten year alarm - otherwise test the alarm once a week, and change the batteries every year.
Below is a range of recent campaign materials:
- 2006:Happy Diwali Card (Adobe Acrobat - 1,740kb)
- 2006:Fire Safety Advice Insert (Gujerati/Punjabi/Hindi) (Gujerati/Punjabi/Hindi) (Adobe Acrobat - 453kb)
- 2006:A3 Karahi Cooking Safety Poster (Adobe Acrobat - 169kb)
- 2004:Diwali press advertisement (Adobe Acrobat - 137kb)
- 2004:Gujarati version (Adobe Acrobat - 466kb)
- 2004:Hindi version (Adobe Acrobat - 453kb)