Diwali safety tips from Telangana Fire Services: Dos and Don’ts for public

Hyderabad: As Diwali approaches, the Telangana Fire, Disaster Response, Emergency and Civil Defence department has issued a set of safety guidelines to help citizens enjoy the festival safely.

Fire Services Director-General Vikram Singh Mann on Saturday said the department is fully prepared, with Quick Response Tenders (QRTs) patrolling key areas and multipurpose fire tenders stationed at major traffic junctions for rapid intervention.

Emergency services ready Round-the-Clock

The fire control room operates 24×7 to monitor emergencies. Citizens can report fire incidents by calling 101, 112, or 9949991101. Mann noted that 95 fire accidents occurred during Diwali in 2024, compared to 164 in 2023, highlighting improved safety awareness.

Rise in Firecracker Shops

The number of licensed firecracker shops has grown steadily over the past two years. In 2025, 8,019 temporary shops selling less than 100 kg of firecrackers were set up, up from 7,516 in 2024 and 6,439 in 2023.

Dos for a Safe Celebration

Buy certified firecrackers from licensed vendors only.

Burst crackers in open areas, away from buildings, vehicles, and flammable materials.

Supervise children at all times.

Keep water buckets, sand, or fire extinguishers nearby.

Place diyas and candles on stable surfaces, away from curtains and decorations.

Inspect decorative lights for damage and avoid overloading sockets.

Use eco-friendly diyas and low-noise crackers.

Wear cotton or fire-retardant clothing.

Keep pets, elderly, and infants indoors during peak firecracker hours.

Don’ts to Prevent Accidents

Do not light crackers near electrical installations or gas cylinders.

Avoid wearing loose or synthetic clothing while bursting crackers.

Never leave candles or diyas unattended.

Fire Safety Measures

In Case of Fire:

Stop, drop, and roll if clothing catches fire.

Escape smoke-filled rooms by staying low and covering your nose and mouth with a damp cloth.

Exit quickly and close doors behind you to slow fire spread.

First Aid for Burns:

Cool the burn with clean running water for 10–15 minutes.

Avoid ice, butter, or ointments.

Cover with a sterile, non-stick dressing.

Seek medical attention for deep, blistering, or facial burns.

“As Telangana prepares to celebrate Diwali on Monday, we urge all citizens to prioritize safety while enjoying the festivities,” Mann said, stressing that following these guidelines will ensure a joyful, injury-free celebration.