Hyderabad: Safety Precautions Issued for Diwali Celebrations
As the Diwali festival approaches, authorities in Hyderabad, including the Greater Hyderabad Municipal Corporation (GHMC), City Police, and Fire Department, have issued safety precautions for citizens. They have stressed the importance of proactive safety measures to ensure a peaceful and safe environment during the celebrations. Fireworks sellers have also been instructed to take responsibility and be prepared for emergencies.
Diwali, the festival of lights, will be celebrated on Thursday. With the excitement comes some risks, especially concerning burns, injuries, and other accidents, particularly affecting children. Civic authorities have emphasized the need for increased awareness of these hazards. Every year, there is a rise in incidents during Diwali due to people not following safety guidelines.
The GHMC’s Disaster Response Force (DRF) teams have been educating firecracker vendors and customers on safe practices. This includes how to properly store and handle firecrackers, as well as emergency response guidelines. The GHMC, in collaboration with the Fire Department, has reinforced fire safety protocols and placed fire engines near firecracker stalls in different parts of the city.
Additionally, the Hyderabad Disaster Response Assets Monitoring and Protection Agency (HYDRA) has issued safety guidelines for the public. They encourage people to buy certified firecrackers, light them in open spaces, and supervise children closely. They also recommend keeping water, fire extinguishers, and first-aid supplies on hand in case of emergencies. The public is advised to place candles and diyas on stable surfaces and to extinguish them before leaving or going to sleep. They should also inspect decorative lights for damage and avoid overloading electrical sockets.
HYDRA has also asked people to consider using eco-friendly diyas and low-noise crackers to reduce environmental pollution. They have urged citizens to keep elderly people, pets, and babies indoors, away from loud noises during the celebrations.
In preparation for the festival, the Hyderabad City Police held a coordination meeting with fireworks sellers at the zonal level. On Wednesday, South Zone DCP Sneha Mehra met with fireworks sellers at AreKatika Sangam in Chatrinaka. She instructed the sellers and zonal officers to work together to ensure that the festival goes smoothly. Strict surveillance and security measures will be in place to prevent any accidents or untoward incidents.
DCP Mehra also provided instructions to the firecracker sellers on handling safety measures, proper storage, and the use of protective gear. She emphasized the importance of adult supervision during the sale of firecrackers and warned against unlicensed sales. Firecracker sellers were also reminded to ensure proper ventilation, use fire extinguishers, and avoid smoking near the stalls. Sneha Mehra urged the sellers to take precautions and follow fire safety guidelines to prevent accidents and injuries during the Diwali celebrations.
