Shropshire Fire and Rescue Service would like to extend our warmest congratulations to all those who are celebrating the festival of lights ‘Diwali’ and send our best wishes to everyone to enjoy the festivities peacefully and safely.
Diwali – The Festival of Lights is the most significant and biggest occasion in the Hindu calendar and is also celebrated in Sikhism and Jainism . Diwali is a festival of warmth and love. Diwali is about visiting friends and relatives, sharing food and sweets, exchanging gifts and celebrating the prosperity and plenitude of harvests granted by God. Traditionally, Diwali is a four-day celebration. Remove add Diwali is celebrated in the home and within the places of worship. Celebrations can extend over a number of days.
SFRS would also like to remind those celebrating in various communities to ensure they have a working smoke alarm fitted on every floor of your home. When the festival gets underway you may forget to do this, so test alarms beforehand to help keep your friends and family safe. If there is a fire, a smoke alarm will immediately warn you, giving you and everyone in your home time to escape to safety. Taking a few simple precautions will reduce the risks for yourself and your family:
- Use only enough ghee for a Diva to last your Puja and make sure that it rests securely on a heat resistant surface.
- Keep flames at a safe distance from curtains, furniture, decorations and loose clothing.
- When cooking with deep-fried food, dry it before you put it in the hot oil.
- Never fill the pan more than one third full of oil.
- Never throw water over a burning pan.
- Fit smoke alarms on each floor of your home and test them regularly.
- Fireworks are something that can be enjoyed by all the family, but should be used safely, carefully and lawfully.
- Always put out candles before you leave a room and before you go to bed.
- Always place candles in a suitable holder to prevent them from falling over.
- Keep candles out of reach of children and pets.
- Keep candles away from clothes and hair – do not lean across candles.
- Keep candles out of draughts and away from curtains and other fabrics or furniture.
Have a wonderful time on Diwali and however you are celebrating this year, stay safe.
For further advice and assistance contact the Fire Prevention Team on 01743260260 or email at enquiries@shropshirefire.gov.uk.
