Seasonal Fire Safety  

Known as the Festival of Lights, we want to remind all those celebrating to do so safely. While the idea behind Diwali and type of celebration varies in different regions, the essence remains the same: to rejoice the Inner Light (Atma) or the underlying reality of all things (Brahman). Celebrations include fireworks, lighting candles and Divas, and cooking special meals for family and friends. 

Follow these tips for a safe Diwali 

• Ensure you have a working smoke alarm within your apartment, test it regularly   

• If burning multiple candles, ensure they are at least three inches apart. 

• If a candle must burn continuously, ensure it's in an enclosed glass container and placed in a sink or a metal or glass drip pan. 

• Keep flames, candles and Divas at a safe distance from curtains, furniture, children, pets and loose clothing 

• Do not use or set off fireworks, sky lanterns or sparklers from your apartment or balcony. 

• Do not fill the cooking pan more than one third full of oil. 

• Supervise cooking at all times. 

• Never throw water on a burning pan. Get out, stay out and call 999. 

• Ensure you extinguish candles and divas when you leave the room, the house or go to bed. 

The holy month of Ramadan involves Muslims fasting in daylight hours and not eating or drinking for potentially up to 16 hours per day. During Ramadan it is common to have one meal just before sunrise known as the Suhoor, and one just after sunset, known as the Iftar. This means that cooking often takes place at night, so kitchen safety is especially important. 

Follow these tips for a safe Ramadan: 

• Ensure you have a working smoke alarm within your apartment, test it regularly   

• Take care when cooking with oil as it is easily set alight. 

• Do not fill the cooking pan with more than one third full of oil. 

• Never throw water on a burning pan. Get out, stay out and call 999. 

• Do not leave cooking unattended. 

Chinese New Year is the longest and most important celebration in the Chinese calendar. For many it's a time to celebrate the end of an old year and the beginning of a new one, at home and cooking special meals for family and friends. 

Follow these tips for a safe Chinese New Year: 

• Ensure you have a working smoke alarm within your apartment, test it regularly   

• Do not use or set off fireworks, sky lanterns or sparklers from your apartment or balcony. 

• Take care when cooking with oil as it is easily set alight 

• Do not fill the cooking pan more than one third full of oil 

• Never throw water on a burning pan. Get out, stay out and call 999 

• Do not leave cooking unattended 

Make sure you purchase and wear costumes that have been tested and carry a UKCA or CE mark. 

Halloween costumes without these marks often don't comply with European standards and as a result are much more flammable. They can catch fire incredibly quickly, potentially causing life changing injuries. Keep your family safe this Halloween, always check the label of costumes for a UKCA or CE marking – this means it has been tested properly and has an appropriate flammability rating. If you're going to make a costume check the material you are using too.  

• Check costumes for UKCA or CE fire ratings 

• Remember to check the material of wigs, masks and accessories too. 

• We suggest you swap out tealights in your pumpkins for torches or glow sticks to remove the risk of costumes catching fire 

The safest way to enjoy these seasonal activities is to attend a professionally organised event. 

• Do not use or set off fireworks, sky lanterns, sparklers or light bonfires from your apartment, balcony or any communal area within the development.  

Please view our Festive Safety Tips Leaflet by clicking here.