Have a happy and safe Diwali
http://www.dailyfix.co.uk/articles/68050/1/Have-a-happy-and-safe-Diwali/Page1.html
By Chief Editor
Published on 27 Oct 2008
With Diwali, the ‘Festival of Lights,’ due to take place tomorrow, Kent Fire and Rescue Service is urging Sikh, Hindu and Jain communities celebrating the festival to do so safely.
Statistics show that there is an increased fire risk around this time of year, due to the increased use of with candles, fireworks and divas. Nationally, candle fires soar by over a third during this period because candles and tea lights play a major part in festivities, and twenty per cent of deaths, caused by candles, occur at this time.
In addition, where cooking is a major part of the festivities, there is a heightened risk of fire in the kitchen.
Head of Community Safety Stuart Skilton said: "This time of year is a very special occasion for the Sikh, Hindu and Jain communities, and we don't want to dampen spirits. It is not only Diwali, we also see an increase in fires in the home during other festive occasions – often safety comes second to celebration.”
He added: "I would especially urge the celebrating community to ensure they have a working smoke alarm installed on every floor of their homes and the batteries tested weekly. By taking just a few simple precautions you can greatly reduce the risks of death and injury for yourself and your family.”
These include:
Diva, candles and nightlights
Treat the Diva as you would any other flame:
• Use only enough ghee for a Diva to last your Puja and make sure that it rests securely on a heat resistant surface.
• NEVER leave burning candles or divas unattended in the home. Never leave unattended when retiring to bed or while attending the Gurdwara/temple for Diwali prayers.
• 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, visit the DBERR fireworks website www.berr.gov.uk/fireworks
• 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 - and test the alarm weekly.
Cooking fire safety
Don't leave cooking unattended. Fire starts when your attention stops:
• When cooking deep-fry food, dry it before you put it in the hot oil.
• If the oil starts to smoke, turn off the heat and leave the pan to cool.
• Never fill the pan more than one third full of oil.
• Never throw water over the pan.
Statistics show that there is an increased fire risk around this time of year, due to the increased use of with candles, fireworks and divas. Nationally, candle fires soar by over a third during this period because candles and tea lights play a major part in festivities, and twenty per cent of deaths, caused by candles, occur at this time.
In addition, where cooking is a major part of the festivities, there is a heightened risk of fire in the kitchen.
Head of Community Safety Stuart Skilton said: "This time of year is a very special occasion for the Sikh, Hindu and Jain communities, and we don't want to dampen spirits. It is not only Diwali, we also see an increase in fires in the home during other festive occasions – often safety comes second to celebration.”
He added: "I would especially urge the celebrating community to ensure they have a working smoke alarm installed on every floor of their homes and the batteries tested weekly. By taking just a few simple precautions you can greatly reduce the risks of death and injury for yourself and your family.”
These include:
Diva, candles and nightlights
Treat the Diva as you would any other flame:
• Use only enough ghee for a Diva to last your Puja and make sure that it rests securely on a heat resistant surface.
• NEVER leave burning candles or divas unattended in the home. Never leave unattended when retiring to bed or while attending the Gurdwara/temple for Diwali prayers.
• 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, visit the DBERR fireworks website www.berr.gov.uk/fireworks
• 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 - and test the alarm weekly.
Cooking fire safety
Don't leave cooking unattended. Fire starts when your attention stops:
• When cooking deep-fry food, dry it before you put it in the hot oil.
• If the oil starts to smoke, turn off the heat and leave the pan to cool.
• Never fill the pan more than one third full of oil.
• Never throw water over the pan.