As we look forward to celebrate Diwali, the National Fire Authority (NFA) is again reminding the members of the community to be more vigilant and to take extra care to ensure that we all have a happy, spiritually fulfilling and more importantly a fire free Diwali Celebration.
Diwali is an important time where we get together as families to celebrate the return of Lord Rama and the overcoming of evil by good and darkness by light, as such, it is important that we ensure we celebrate such day safely.
“As we prepare and celebrate Diwali in our own homes, there will be an increase in the use of fire ignition sources such as candles, diyas, electrical decoration and a lot of cooking, as such, we must accept that the risk of a fire occurring is greater than any other ordinary day as such we need to be more careful and vigilant,” NFA CEO John O’Connor said.
It is important that members of the community pay attention to fire safety at home to ensure the safety of their family members.
“We have had fire free Diwali celebrations during the previous years and we would like to have a similar fire free Diwali celebration again this year. We, however will need the support of all the members of the community to achieve this.
“Fires that have occurred after the Diwali Day celebrations have been usually caused by ignition sources such as candles and prayer diyas left unattended or children playing with fire crackers left unsupervised.
“Fire incidents can be avoided by observing some very simple precautions. NFA will be working with the Police to ensure members of the community have a safe and fire free Diwali celebrations,” Mr O’Connor added.
Diwali Fire safety tips:
Fire crackers:
• Never try to re-ignite the fireworks that don’t light in the first instance.
• Never give ANY firework item to small children.
• Never throw fireworks at another person.
• Never carry fireworks in your pocket.
• Never experiment, modify, or attempt to make your own fireworks.
Different fireworks mean different hazards:
• Read the instructions about firecrackers carefully and follow them properly before lighting.
Supervise your children:
Keep children well away from fireworks, and never let a child handle or light one without an adult supervision. Even sparklers can be dangerous if unsupervised! Make sure that children are aware of the dangers.
Don’ts
• Don’t ignite fireworks while holding them.
• Don’t bend over the fireworks being ignited.
• Don’t ignite fireworks in any container.
• Don’t approach immediately to the misfired fireworks.
• Don’t tamper with misfired fireworks.
• Don’t attempt to make fireworks at home.
• Don’t allow small children to handle fireworks.
• Don’t throw or point fireworks at other people.
• Don’t store firecrackers near burning candles and diyas.
Candles and Diyas
• Ensure candles and diyas are put in a safe place away from curtains, beds, settees and etc.
• Ensure that all candles and diyas are put out and make check in the house before you go to sleep.
Cooking
• Never leave any cooking unattended
NFA