JAMMU :The Directorate of Fire & Emergency Services Jammu & Kashmir has issued a detailed fire safety advisory for the general public ahead of Diwali, urging citizens to celebrate the festival of lights in a safe and responsible manner by strictly adhering to prescribed fire prevention measures.
The advisory highlights that careless handling of firecrackers, diyas, candles and electrical decorations may lead to fire incidents and other untoward occurrences, posing a threat to human life and property.
*Key Safety Guidelines Issued:*
*Purchase & Bursting Of Crackers:*
- Purchase firecrackers only from licensed and authorised vendors and ensure crackers are properly packaged, labelled and carry manufacturer's details and safety instructions.
- Use only legally permitted firecrackers and burst them exclusively in open and designated spaces, maintaining safe distance from residential buildings, vehicles, shops and other combustible materials.
- Place firecrackers on stable and flat surfaces.
- Children must use them only under close supervision of responsible adults. Children, elderly persons and pets should be kept at safe distance from bursting areas.
- Keep buckets filled with water or sand and suitable fire extinguishers readily available at celebration venues.
*Personal Safety & Diyas:*
- Wear cotton clothes and closed footwear while bursting firecrackers and avoid loose, flowing and synthetic garments.
- Place diyas and candles on stable, non-combustible surfaces, away from curtains, decorations, exposed electrical wires and other combustible materials.
*Electrical Safety:*
- Use good-quality and properly insulated decorative lights, extension boards and temporary wiring.
- Do not overload electrical sockets.
- Switch off decorative lights and other unnecessary electrical appliances before going to bed or leaving premises.
- LPG cylinders, cooking appliances and other sources of ignition should be kept away from firecrackers and decorative materials.
*Dos And Don'ts - What NOT To Do:*
- Do NOT purchase or use illegal, unlabelled or unauthorised firecrackers.
- Do NOT hold crackers in hands while lighting them.
- Do NOT burst crackers in crowded places, narrow lanes, balconies, rooftops, indoors or enclosed spaces.
- Do NOT burst crackers near hospitals, schools, religious places, petrol pumps, LPG storage areas and other sensitive establishments.
- NEVER attempt to relight failed or unexploded firecrackers or approach, touch or fiddle with them. Keep them away from people.
- Do NOT throw firecrackers towards people, animals, vehicles or buildings.
- Do NOT leave burning diyas, candles or incense sticks unattended.
- Do NOT use damaged electrical wires or overloaded extension boards.
- Do NOT smoke or use open flames near firecrackers or storage areas.
- Dispose of used firecrackers only after ensuring they are completely extinguished and never throw partially burnt or unexploded crackers into dustbins or near combustible waste.
In case of any fire incident, people have been urged to immediately alert the Fire & Emergency Services for timely assistance.
The Directorate has appealed to the public to celebrate Diwali with joy but also with utmost caution to avoid any tragedy.
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