skip to main content skip to contact information skip to main navigation

Diwali

Diwali, the Hindu festival of lights, is one of the most popular festivals from South Asia. It is also an occasion for celebration by Jains and Sikhs.

The festival celebrates the victory of good over evil, light over darkness and knowledge over ignorance, although the actual legends that go with the festival are different in different parts of India.

The festival of Diwali begins on Wednesday 26th October 2011. Because of the use of lights and fireworks through out the festival we are urging anyone celebrating Diwali to take extra care with candles, fireworks and when cooking.

Fireworks

When using fireworks please don’t put your family or friends at risk, always remember to follow the fireworks code:

  • Only buy fireworks marked BS 7114.
  • Don’t drink alcohol if setting off fireworks.
  • Keep fireworks in a closed box.
  • Follow the instructions on each firework.
  • Light them at arm’s length, using a taper.
  • Stand well back.
  • Never go near a firework that has been lit.
  • Even if it hasn’t gone off, it could still explode.
  • Never put fireworks in your pocket or throw them.
  • Always supervise children around fireworks.
  • Light sparklers one at a time and wear gloves.
  • Never give sparklers to a child under five.
  • Keep pets indoors.
  • Don’t let off noisy fireworks after 11pm.

Candle safety

During the festival of Diwali home can be filled with oil lamps, candles and lights, which can bring additional fire risks to the home.

  • Always place candles firmly in a proper holder so they don't fall over and on a heat resistant surface
  • Put out candles before you leave a room and before you go to bed
  • Keep candles:
    • out of the reach of children and pets
    • away from ribbons, greetings cards and other decorations - these could easily catch fire
    • out of draughts and away from curtains, other fabrics or furniture, which could catch fire
    • 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

Cooking

With extra cooking going on in the home there is an increased risk of cooking related fires.  Take extra care in the kitchen and follow our top five safety tips below.

  • don’t get distracted when you are cooking - turn off or turn down the heat if you have to leave the 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

This safety advice is offered as guidance only. If in doubt, Get out, Stay out and get the Fire and Rescue Service out!”