Fire safety in your home - Diwali

With many families celebrating Diwali, this brings an added fire risk due to the increased use of candles, divas, tealights, fireworks and cooking meals. 

Cumbria Fire and Rescue Service's top 5 tips for Diwali, all of which involve taking very simple precautions, are:

  1. Always place divas/diyas, tea lights and candles on heat-resistant surfaces and well away from curtains and decorations
  2. Children and pets should always be supervised near flames
  3. Don't let yourself get distracted whilst cooking, pots and pans should never be left unattended
  4. If a pan with oil in it catches fire, don't move it and don't throw water over it. Get out of the kitchen, close the door behind you and call 999
  5. Ensure that all fireworks meet British safety standards and never go back to one once it is lit

This is a really important time for many people across Cumbria, and we're really keen that everyone observes it and enjoys it safely.

Our main advice focuses on candle safety, simply keeping them away from flammable materials, such as curtains and clothes, and of course children, can make a big difference.

Cumbria Fire and Rescue Service offer free 'safe and well' checks to every household in Cumbria. The check involves a telephone assessment and questionnaire and if required, this is followed up by a home safety check and fitting of free smoke alarms.

For further fire safety information complete the Safe and Well questionnaire or contact 0800 358 4777.

Arrange a Safe and Well Visit at your home.