By Mollie Mansfield
The Leicestershire Fire and Rescue service have uploaded a list of tips to ensure celebrators have a safe, fire-free Diwali this Sunday, October 30.
The Hindu festival, otherwise known as the Festival of Light, is renowned for creating fire-based incidents due to being centred around candles.
However despite the festival usually causing problems for firefighters, the service have also supplied warning tips for burglary, robbery, and self-protection.
They have also told attendees to ring 101 if they see anyone acting suspiciously in their neighbourhood.
Below is the list of tips:
Cooking
- Never fill more than one-third of your cooking pan with oil.
- If the oil starts to smoke, turn off the heat and leave it to cool.
- Never leave your cooking pans unattended with the heat switched on.
- If a fire does start don’t try to fight it yourself. Get out stay out, and call 999.
Candles and divas
- Use only enough ghee or oil for a diva to last your puja.
- If you do need to leave a diva, candle or nightlight unattended, make sure it is resting securely on a surface that will not melt or burn.
- Keep the flame at a safe distance from curtains, decorations and clothing at all times.
Burglary
- When you go out lock your doors and windows, even if you’re only going out for a short time.
- Use a timer switch for lights and a radio to make it look like someone is at home.
Protect yourself
- Be aware of what is happening around you and trust your instincts.
- If you feel unsafe change direction and go somewhere you feel safer and are more visible to other people.
- Avoid wearing headphones or talking on mobile phones as this can distract you.
- Keep your purse or valuables inside a zipped compartment in your bag. Always keep your bag closed and close to you.
Protect your belongings
- Be discreet with your valuables, money and mobile phone and make sure it is not on show.
- If you’re wearing jewellery like a necklace, cover it with a scarf.
- Never leave anything on display in your car, whether it’s an expensive laptop or just some loose change. Even items of clothing can attract thieves as they may think that there will be money in the pockets.
- Lock your car at all times, even if you leave it for a few seconds.
For more information please see the Leicestershire Fire and Rescue website here.