Diwali |
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 There are many residents of Warwickshire who celebrate Diwali, Graeme Smith, Chief Fire Officer, wishes to remind you of the extra precautions to be taken with the use of candles and fireworks.
Mr Graeme Smith says ‘Every year people are killed and injured because they were careless with fire. Candles and fireworks mark special occasions and create a special atmosphere. Candles bring fire into your home and fireworks are explosives and should be treated with care. Please follow these simple guidelines and have a safe Diwali.’
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Candles
- Put candles on a heat resistant surface - Some candles get hot enough to melt plastic, TVs are not fire-resistant objects.
- Put candles in a proper holder - Candles need to be held firmly upright by the holder so they won’t fall over. The holder needs to be stable too, so it won’t fall over.
- Position candles away from curtains and keep them out of draughts.
- Don’t put candles under shelves - It’s easy to forget that there’s a lot of heat above a burning candle. If you put a candle under a shelf or other surface then it can start a fire. Make sure there’s at least three feet (one metre) between a candle and any surface above it.
- Keep clothes and hair away - If there’s any chance you could lean across a candle and forget it’s there, put it somewhere else. You don’t want to set fire to your clothes or your hair.
- Keep candles out of the reach of children and pets.
- Keep candles apart - Leave at least four inches (10cm) between two burning candles.
- Take care with votive or scented candles - These kind of candles turn to liquid to release their fragrance, so put them in a glass or metal holder.
- Don’t move candles whilst they are burning - Extinguish candles before moving them and don’t let anything fall into the hot wax like match sticks.
- Don’t leave candles burning - Extinguish candles before you leave a room. Never go to sleep with a candle still burning and never leave a lit candle or oil burner in a child's bedroom.
- Use a snuffer or a spoon to put them out - It’s safer than blowing them out, which can send sparks and hot wax flying.
- Double-check they’re out - Candles that have been put out can go on smouldering and start a fire. Make sure they’re completely out.
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Fireworks
The majority of accidents involving fireworks occur at family or private parties and are caused through the misuse of fireworks and failing to observe the firework code.
Since the festivities inevitably result in an increase in the number of fire calls, the public are asked to co-operate by ahhering to the firework code:
- Buy fireworks marked BS 7114
- Keep fireworks in a closed box
- Follow the instructions on each firework using a torch
- Light them at arm’s length using a taper
- Stand well back
- Never go back to a lit firework
- Never put fireworks in your pocket
- Never throw fireworks
- Keep pets indoors
- Keep a bucket of water nearby
- Always supervise children around fireworks
- Never give sparklers to children under 5
- Do not drink alcohol if you intend to light fireworks
Enjoy your celebrations, do not have them spoilt. |
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For further Fire Safety information and advice contact:
The Fire Safety Helpline on 01926 466282
National Community Fire Safety Centre Website - Fire Kills - Directgov
Download the Celebrate Safely Leaflet
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