WARWICKSHIRE county chiefs are reminding residents to celebrate Diwali safely from home.
Families can enjoy the celebrations on Saturday (November 14) by video calling friends or family members, or by joining virtual events including music, story-telling, dancing and cultural activities. Residents are also encouraged to decorate their homes with bunting, paper fans, fairy lights, garlands and rangoli table decorations, and cook a feast for the household or bubble.
Warwickshire Fire and Rescue Service has also shared fire safety tips on how to stay safe at home. They include using battery operated tea lights, not leaving candles and oil lamps unattended, placing candles in jars or holders, and to ensure smoke alarms are working.
Chief fire officer Kieran Amos said: “With the bigger Diwali events being cancelled this year, we know many will be holding smaller celebrations with their household or bubble so we would like to urge residents to enjoy these celebrations safely.
“We understand that lots of you will want to light candles or oil lamps – it is after all, the festival of lights! However, we are asking residents to be mindful of fire risks and consider using LED lights and candles instead to reduce the risk of a fire in your home.
“We’d also like to warn residents of the dangers of buying fireworks to use in your gardens at home. Fireworks and bonfires can cause devastating injuries, even if you are being careful.
“First and foremost, we wish everyone a very safe and happy Diwali and would therefore urge people to go LED and ditch the back-garden fireworks.”
County council health spokesman Les Caborn reminded residents Covid cases were on the rise and it was important to stay home and follow guidelines.
He added: “The festival of lights represents a source of goodness and the vitality of life. Loved ones come together to celebrate its power and this year Diwali will represent, despite the situation we find ourselves in, that lighter and brighter times lie ahead.”
Visit https://tinyurl.com/yy4ylhyb to sign up to West Midlands Combined Authority’s virtual Diwali on the Screen 2020 event.
