Divali Safety Precautions
The festival of lights as observed by the Hindu community is here again.
It is a wonderful occasion for reflection and celebration.
As with all holidays, there is the opportunity to consider safety while enjoying the experience that the auspicious day offers
The following bellow are some brief safety guidelines for consideration during this season.
It is a wonderful occasion for reflection and celebration.
As with all holidays, there is the opportunity to consider safety while enjoying the experience that the auspicious day offers
The following bellow are some brief safety guidelines for consideration during this season.
Deyas
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Ensure the base of the deya is level as it may topple over if it is not. Set lit deyas down on a secure and level surface away from flammable items. Do not leave deyas unattended for long, especially if they are Inside your house.
Supervise children, the elderly (and some average aged adults) at all times when they are in close proximity to lit deyas Ensure the oil in deyas are filled to a level which will not cause overflow and make sure the “wick” is not hanging too low after it is lit as this may become a fire hazard |
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Fireworks
Children should only use fireworks under adult supervision
Only purchase legal fireworks at approved stands and follow the instructions on the package carefully
Always keep water, sand or a functioning hose nearby if possible
Fireworks are for outdoor use only… this means no porches or galleries
PS: Standing inside next to a window does not categorize as being outdoors…
Never try to make your own fireworks… ever… despite what Youtube says…
Never attempt to relight fireworks that seem to have gone out. Wait 15 minutes after it stops lighting and then soak in a bucket of water
Never allow small children too close to fireworks. Store them in a cool, dry places.
Never lean over fireworks to light them
Tie hair back or cover head with caps when lighting fireworks. Wear cotton apparel as far as practicable and avoid loose fitting clothes
Secure animals, especially dogs as the noises produced by some fireworks can cause them to react in unpredictable ways. Also, the noise can
actually harm them in certain instances so consider their health and safety as well.
Only purchase legal fireworks at approved stands and follow the instructions on the package carefully
Always keep water, sand or a functioning hose nearby if possible
Fireworks are for outdoor use only… this means no porches or galleries
PS: Standing inside next to a window does not categorize as being outdoors…
Never try to make your own fireworks… ever… despite what Youtube says…
Never attempt to relight fireworks that seem to have gone out. Wait 15 minutes after it stops lighting and then soak in a bucket of water
Never allow small children too close to fireworks. Store them in a cool, dry places.
Never lean over fireworks to light them
Tie hair back or cover head with caps when lighting fireworks. Wear cotton apparel as far as practicable and avoid loose fitting clothes
Secure animals, especially dogs as the noises produced by some fireworks can cause them to react in unpredictable ways. Also, the noise can
actually harm them in certain instances so consider their health and safety as well.
Sparklers better known as Starlight
Starlights should only be lit in the presence of adults
Discard of spent sparklers immediately as the rods remain hot for a while and can cause burns to persons, especially children.
Discard of spent sparklers immediately as the rods remain hot for a while and can cause burns to persons, especially children.
Bussin’ Bamboo
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When “bussin’ bamboo” , exercise caution in terms of securing clothing, hair etc. Use the fuel (a.k.a ‘pitchoil’ etc) with care and partake in this activity under the supervision of someone who is experienced and know what they are doing please. (We all know someone who has burnt off their eyebrows doing this.
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Fire crackers & Decorative Lights
Ensure children…and others… do not place lit fire crackers (the legal ones) in their mouth or on another person as a joke… it isn’t funny…
Use decorative lights of an approved standard and follow the manufacturer’s instructions for safe use always
Use decorative lights of an approved standard and follow the manufacturer’s instructions for safe use always
CURRY Time
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This holiday is marked by delicious food and traditional sweets. While we all enjoy good eats please consider the following: As most persons eat curry and roti with their hands, please practice good hygiene by washing hands thoroughly. Please see the image on the right illustrating the proper way one should wash their hands.
As with all types of food, ensure it was prepared under hygienic conditions . If there is leftover food, store it under the proper conditions and temperatures to avoid food poisoning. |
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Stranger Danger
If you will be visiting friends, relatives or driving around to see the beautiful deya displays, please be vigilant in terms of general safety.
Do not go walking in unfamiliar areas alone, always keep a cell phone handy and ensure at least one person knows where you are and when you are expected to return home
Do not go walking in unfamiliar areas alone, always keep a cell phone handy and ensure at least one person knows where you are and when you are expected to return home
Credit goes to the HSE Unit of Massy Technologies.
