Urges public to follow advisory to prevent fire accidents during celebrations
TNR News Network
Shimla:
With Diwali festivities around the corner, the Himachal Pradesh Fire Services Department has issued a detailed advisory outlining key dos and don’ts to ensure a safe and incident-free celebration across the state. The department has appealed to citizens to observe utmost caution while lighting firecrackers, diyas and candles to prevent any mishaps.
As per the advisory, people have been urged to purchase firecrackers only from licensed vendors and ensure they are of good quality and legally approved to minimise the risk of accidents. Firecrackers should be burst in open areas like parks or large grounds, away from buildings, vehicles, and flammable materials.
Citizens are advised to keep a bucket of water nearby while bursting crackers and to prefer cotton clothing over synthetic fabrics, which can easily catch fire. Parents have been requested to ensure adult supervision when children are handling fireworks. Used crackers should be disposed of in water to extinguish leftover sparks.
The advisory further cautions against lighting multiple firecrackers together, emphasising that each cracker should be lit individually and from a safe distance. People should also check wind direction before lighting fireworks to ensure sparks do not drift towards homes or crowds.
In the list of don’ts, the department has strictly warned against lighting crackers indoors or near windows, wearing loose garments and bursting crackers near dry leaves, gas cylinders or vehicles. Firecrackers that fail to ignite should not be relit immediately but people should wait for a few minutes before safely disposing of them.
The Fire Services Department has also urged people to avoid leaving oil lamps, diyas or candles unattended, especially near curtains or combustible materials. In case of any burns or injuries, medical assistance should be sought immediately instead of relying on home remedies.
Officials said that these simple precautions could go a long way in ensuring a joyous yet safe Diwali for everyone. “We want the festival of lights to bring happiness, not harm. Following these safety guidelines is the best way to celebrate responsibly,” a senior fire officer stated.
