Diwali brings lights, lamps and celebrations to every home. But every year, fire services across the country report a rise in fire incidents during the festive season. A few simple precautions can keep your family safe. Here are practical Diwali safety tips.
Choose safe decorative lights
- Buy lights and extension boards with the ISI mark of the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS). Cheap, uncertified products may have poor wiring.
- Check old light strings for cuts, loose bulbs or exposed wires before use.
- Use outdoor rated lights for balconies and terraces, since they face dew and dust.
Do not overload sockets
Plugging many light strings into one socket using multiple adapters can overheat wires. Spread the load across sockets, use a proper extension board with a fuse or switch, and avoid running cables under carpets where heat can build up.
Switch off at night
Turn off decorative lights when you go to bed or leave the house. Using a timer can help.
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Diyas and candles
- Place diyas on stable, non flammable surfaces, away from curtains, paper decorations and clothes.
- Keep them out of reach of children and pets.
- Do not leave lamps burning unattended.
- Avoid wearing loose synthetic clothes near open flames; cotton is safer.
Rangoli and decorations
Keep paper lanterns and flammable decorations away from bulbs and lamps. LED lights produce less heat and are safer than old filament bulbs.
In the kitchen
Festive cooking means more frying. Never leave hot oil unattended, and keep a lid nearby to cover a pan if it catches fire. Do not pour water on burning oil.
Firecrackers
If you burst crackers where allowed, do so in open spaces, keep a bucket of water or sand nearby and follow local rules on timings. Never let children handle crackers alone.
First aid for burns
For minor burns, cool the area under clean running water for about 10 to 20 minutes. Do not apply ice, toothpaste or butter. Cover with a clean cloth and seek medical help for serious burns.
Emergency numbers
- Fire: 101
- Ambulance: 108
- National emergency number: 112
Save these on your phone and teach children how to call for help.
Bottom line
Certified lights, careful use of sockets and watchful handling of diyas make Diwali safe. Follow these Diwali safety tips so that the festival stays bright for all the right reasons.
Source / स्रोत: Bureau of Indian Standards, National Disaster Management Authority, Directorate General Fire Services, Civil Defence and Home Guards
